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Slapping issue: Congress MP apologises to bank manager

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Manda Jagannath, the Congress MP from Nagarkurnool, Andhra Pradesh, tendered an “unconditional apology” to Ravinder Reddy, manager of the Uppunuthala branch of the A.P. Grameena Vikas Bank, who was allegedly slapped by the MP on Monday.

Describing the incident as an “unfortunate,” Mr. Jagannath told journalists here that he did not hold a grudge against the manager. He hastened to add that the truth would come out later.

He denied summons by Congress president Sonia Gandhi or Congress general secretary for Andhra Pradesh and Union Law and Justice Minister M. Veerappa Moily. However, it was his duty and responsibility to meet the Congress leaders and explain what happened, he said. The MP, who is here to attend the parliament session, had earlier denied slapping the bank manager and claimed he was only trying to make him realise his failure to disburse loans to the SC/ST beneficiaries.

“When I tried to put my hand on his [manager] shoulder, he pulled back. My hand happened to touch his cheek. It gave an impression that I slapped him,” he had said.

The Congress high command has obtained a report on the incident from Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president D. Srinivas. The report is said to have confirmed the bank manager’s version.

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