Union Minister for Tourism K. Chiranjeevi cautioned the Congressmen against falling prey to what he called the “mind games and psychological war” being played by the YSR Congress.
“I earnestly appeal to the party men not to get carried away by the false promises being made by that party. If we remain united, no force can defeat the Congress in the next elections,” he told the Congress party’s State-level convention here on Sunday amid applause.
Mr. Chiranjeevi, who was heard in rapt attention for the assertive manner in which he spoke, attacked the TDP and the YSR Congress for indulging in politics that was solely aimed at coming to power. He dismissed the padayatras by the leaders of two parties as mere attempts to ride to power by making false promises.
He said TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu had adopted dual standards during the voting on FDI in retail sector in the Parliament. “Everyone knows that Mr. Naidu has wide interests in retail business and his Heritage Foods was inviting FDI,” he said. Turning his ire on YSRC president Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, he said the former was freely using mobile phones from Chanchalguda jail to lure leaders of other political parties. He said the party could only be strengthened if services of the cadres and leaders were recognised by giving nominated posts.
Stating that the Congress was a party with youthful leadership, he said Mr. Rahul Gandhi was sure to become the Prime Minister in 2014. He eulogised AICC president Sonia Gandhi for her ‘sacrifice’. He justified merger of his Praja Rajyam Party with the Congress saying that he entered politics only to serve the people.