Futile wait to meet Chief Minister

Kalva Kasi Ramulu of Thimmapuram village, in Prakasam district, is aged 47, but looks much older with grey hair and thick glasses.

Holding a bamboo for support, he limps because of a knee that was damaged in a lorry accident years ago.

A Congress activist for 30 years, Ramulu is here for several days to meet VIPs, including Chief Minister K. Rosaiah. With no money, he has been waiting to pour out his woes to anyone, but alas there is none.

He did not know that Mr. Rosaiah was in New Delhi. He found out on Friday after waiting in vain for two days at the Chief Minister's Camp Office.

Police shoved him off, saying the Chief Minister was not in. His immediate task -- how to have a regular means of livelihood and performing the marriage of his two teenaged daughters.

Ramulu, who belongs to BC-B community (Thogata caste), recalls he was able to marry off his eldest daughter with help rendered by philanthropists, including an MP. He is moving in Hyderabad hoping to raise money for the two marriages. A kindly soul has helped Ramulu prepare a representation to AICC president Sonia Gandhi, seeking her assistance.