Revenue Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy asserted on Wednesday that the ruling Congress retain power in the State after 2014 elections provided leaders worked with unity, even as Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Botcha Satyanarayana said the reports of differences among party leaders was their internal matter.
The APCC chief said the Congress leaders would not give scope for others to point a finger at the government and would be the first to point out lapses, if any.
‘People against corruption’
“We appear divided, but we are together when it comes to facing the opponents,” he said adding the party’s convincing victory in Karnataka elections indicated that people did not encourage corruption.
Karnataka become the first southern State to register Congress’ victory after AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi took over responsibilities and more States, including Andhra Pradesh, would follow.
Mr. Raghuveera Reddy said the Karnataka results would have positive impact on the State and the Centre and ruled out the scope of YSR Congress coming to power in the State.
Asked whether the situation would change if Kadapa MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy secured bail, he said Mr. Jaganmohan Reddy’s only strength was people’s sympathy for his father late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.
Loyal vote bank
Congress had a loyal vote bank, thanks to its welfare and development schemes, and these votes could be the deciding factor in a multi-cornered contest. He denied that there was dissatisfaction among Ministers against Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy and it was not unusual for one or two leaders to differ.
Asked about claims on Union Minister K. Chiranjeevi leading the party, he said anyone could aspire to become Chief Minister, but it would be the high command’s decision ultimately.
