The Hindu Business Line : Red signal for F1 racing in AP

``Car racing is no priority for the Government and we will not invest thousands of crores on such events. Our focus is on agriculture, farmers development etc,'' the State Minister for Revenue, Mr D. Prasada Rao, clarified in the Legislative Assembly during question hour on Thursday.

Stating that there was no proposal for acquisition of any land for the race, the Minister said, "If the Centre gave financial support without any burden to the State finances or affecting farmers interest, only then the race event could interest the present Government.''

Despite the build up, the previous Telugu Desam Government had also not given any instructions for land acquisition, the Minister said in response to a series of questions raised by the ruling Cong (I) member Mr P. Janardhana Reddy.

Mr Reddy alleged that a total of 783 acres of land in Sherilingampally in Ranga Reddy had been identified including large tracts of private land for the Formula-1 car racing course. Rs 36 crore was valued for the land. Similarly, about 560 acres of land in Rajendranagar valued at Rs 117 crore were identified for acquisition. He said Rs 1197 crores were required for the 3-day annual racing event.

The Cong (I) member wanted to know details on the crores of rupees of public money spent by officials, Ministers and even the former Chief Minister for visits abroad to negotiate with the organisers of the F1 race. To which the Revenue Minister said, he would compile and provide it.

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Red signal for F1 racing in AP