Union Minister For Urban Development S Jaipal Reddy on Wednesday categorically stated that he was not in the race for the Chief Minister's post in Andhra Pradesh.
Reddy said that he had talked to Union Finance Minister Mukherjee about this before he left for Hyderabad to attend the crucial Congress Legislature Party
meeting on Wednesday evening as observer.
"I have not aspired to become the Chief Minister of the state at any time," Reddy said.
The Union Minister said that he was unable to come to Hyderabad since Parliament was in session. However, he said he would visit Hyderabad on Saturday.
Earlier, MPs belonging to Telangana region had met Jaipal Reddy at his residence. They are believed to have mounted pressure on him to accept the Chief Minister's post.
The MPs delegation consisted of Ponnam Prabhakar, Rajaiah Sircilla, Balram Naik and Suresh Kumar Shetkar.
According to sources, the party High Command is favourably inclined to the idea of Jaipal Reddy succeeding Rosaiah as the next Chief Minister since he is considered as an integrationist despite hailing from Telangana.
The High Command might also opt for Reddy as he may be acceptable to the legislators from Seemandhra region since he has not been vocal in the Telangana statehood agitation.
Courtesy: INN