Dharmana offers to quit politics, if proved guilty

Minister for Roads and Buildings Dharmana Prasad Rao on Thursday accepted the challenge of Communist Party of India state secretary K Narayana for a public debate over the change in VRO examination centre in Srikakulam for his son’s marriage.

Talking to media persons at Assembly media point, Dharmana Prasad Rao denied the charges of Narayana that he had misused his official position to change the venue of VRO examination in Srikakulam for his son’s marriage, which forced the local candidates to travel long distance.

Earlier, Narayana alleged that Dharmana Prasad Rao was responsible for change in examination centre and demanded his resignation from the minister’s post. He said that he had clear evidence to prove his charge and was ready to resign from his State Secretary post if he fails to prove his allegation.

Accepting the challenge, the Minister asked Narayana to fix a venue for public debate and announce time and schedule.

Dharmana Prasad said that he would quit politics if Narayana proves with evidence that he had misused his official position in changing the venue of VRO examination centre for his son’s marriage in Srikakulam. “My son's wedding reception dates were fixed before the exam dates and no exam centre was cancelled," Dharmana said.

According to reports, one of the candidates met with an accident on her way to the exam centre in Srikakulam on February 19. Her father, who was accompanying her, died in the accident.

TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu has demanded Rs 10 lakh compensation for the family and government job for the girl.