The Hindu : Goud joins issue with KCR on resignation episode

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Goud joins issue with KCR on resignation episode

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, FEB. 24. The TRS president, K. Chandrasekhar Rao, was nursing a grouse against the Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, ever since he turned down his request for being nominated to the post of Speaker of the Assembly in 1999, according to the Home Minister, T. Devender Goud.

He said Mr. Rao considered himself a worthy and strong contender for a Cabinet berth after the TDP returned to power. But, the Chief Minister could not accommodate him in the Ministry owing to compulsions like the need to induct K. Vijayarama Rao, a former CBI Director who trounced the former CLP leader, P. Janardhan Reddy, in Khairatabad constituency, and giving representation to various castes, communities and regions.

Mr. Rao then demanded nomination for the Speaker's post. Although the Chief Minister had nothing against him, he had to bow to the wishes of party leaders that the TDP repay its debt to women for their support to the party. The choice fell on K. Pratibha Bharathi since she belonged to the Dalit community as well.

The Home Minister was addressing a press conference here today to join issue with the TRS president for saying that he had pleaded with him not to quit the Telugu Desam and offered him the position of Revenue Minister or a gubernatorial post. "His claim is a blatant untruth since I did not meet him at his residence as alleged," Mr. Goud added.

He said he had so far avoided disclosing details of internal party discussions since he believed in certain values but he was left with no option after Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao had criticised him and the TDP in vile language. He said people in public life should show moderation in speech and behaviour and serve as role models for others.

Mr. Devender Goud said he had sympathy for Mr. Rao for his non-inclusion in the Ministry since he had served the TDP effectively as convenor of the HRD wing. He had even counselled him against taking any hasty action and to attend the Assembly regularly as Deputy Speaker since he would be included in the Cabinet sooner or later.

Answering questions, he said the `differences' between the Congress and TRS on seat-sharing were a sham aimed at avoiding any backlash from their cadres. The two parties had clinched a deal weeks ago. However, the TDP's prospects would not be affected whether the Congress and TRS contested the polls jointly or separately.

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