Having expressed open resentment over the Congress Working Committee's decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh to carve out a Telangana on several occasions, Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy is now preparing to launch a padayatra in the Seemandhra region in favour of Samaikyandhra.
According to sources, the decision to undertake a padayatra in 13 districts of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema was taken during a meeting held by the Chief Minister at his camp office on Sunday night. However, a few ministers and other leaders who attended the meeting were divided on the issue. A majority of Seemandhra ministers supported the proposal, stating that a padayatra is an effective tool to counter TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and YSRCP leader Shamila's bus yatra in the Seemandhra region. However, a few senior ministers opposed the proposal.
Finance Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy reportedly advised the Chief Minister to review his decision. His opinion is that since he is the Chief Minister of a Congress government, people would think that Kiran Kumar Reddy too was part of the CWC's decision, and therefore, it would be difficult for him to convince the people that he does not endorse the CWC's decision. Further, the padayatra would result in open confrontation with the Congress High Command, he opined.
However, Kiran Kumar Reddy looks firm on the undertaking the padayatra, and has asked his colleagues to make arrangements for it. Further, he reportedly assured his cabinet colleagues from the Seemandhra region that he would resign from the post before the Telangana Bill reaches the state Legislative Assembly. (INN)
filed in:Padayatras, United AP Movement, N Kiran Kumar Reddy