Congress leaders in the state are against the imposition of President's Rule in Andhra Pradesh.
A day after Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy
submitted his resignation, there were speculations that Governor E S L Narasimhan would recommend President's Rule in the state. However, several senior leaders, including Pradesh Congress Committee president Botsa Satyanarayana, called on the Governor and reportedly requested him not to recommend President's Rule.
Accompanied by senior leaders including Kanna Lakshminarayana, Anam Ramnarayana Reddy and Dr. N Raghuveera Reddy, and a few legislators, Botsa met the Governor at Raj Bhavan on Thursday. During the meeting, that lasted for about 20 minutes, Botsa reportedly told Narasimhan that the Congress Legislature Party would elect a new leader soon. However, speaking to media persons later, Raghuveera Reddy and Anam described the meeting as informal.
Earlier, former ministers Vatti Vasanth Kumar and Danam Nagender too called on the Governor separately.
According to sources, Congress leaders, including Botsa, have assured the Congress High Command that they would abide by its decision, and asked it nominate a new leader for the Chief Minister's post.
Botsa was expected to make a formal announcement in this regard. However, a press conference, which he had proposed to address at 4pm, was postponed at the last minute. He is likely to come up with a statement on this issue on Friday. (INN)