Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, who had resigned from the Congress party in protest over the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh four years ago, rejoined the party on Friday after meeting party president Rahul Gandhi at his residence.
Congress in-charge for Andhra Pradesh Oommen Chandy, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief N. Raghuveera Reddy and former Union minister M.M. Pallam Raju were also present at the meeting.
Official welcome
Soon after the meeting, the Congress organised a formal event at the party headquarters to welcome and felicitate Mr. Reddy and held a press conference.
Speaking to reporters after re-joining the Congress, Mr. Reddy said unless a Congress government comes back in Delhi, justice will not be done to the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
“Implementation of the Reorganisation Act, special status, special incentives — all this will be possible only if the Congress comes back to power. The present Indian government, the State government and the Opposition parties have failed miserably to implement the Reorganisation Act,” he said.
Promises not kept
He said whether it is about setting up 11 universities or creating a separate railway zone or the Pollavaram project, promises made by the Dr. Manmohan Singh-led UPA government had not been honoured. “An assurance given in the House is the will of the government, otherwise, people will lose confidence on Parliament,” he added.
Congress communication chief Randeep Surjewala said the party was committed to Andhra Pradesh getting special status but refused to give a clear answer on whether the party would support a no-confidence motion against the Modi government on the Andhra Pradesh special status during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. Asked about earlier protests on the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, he said, “What has happened has happened. Now we have to see how we can help the Telugu people going forward.”
Welcoming Mr. Reddy back into the Congress fold, Ommen Chandy said the former Chief Minister’s return would strengthen the party.
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