The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Transition blues!

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 15, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Transition blues!

By S. Ramu

NALGONDA, SEPT. 14. It is yet another "kissa kursikaa.'' The players are not politicians but two high-level officials -- P. Venaktaiah and N. Bharat Reddy -- the incoming and outgoing Chief Executive Officers of the Zilla Parishad.

To the surprise of newsmen and amusement of the Zilla Parishad staff, they fought for the chair, glared at each other and were engaged in a verbal duel. The Collector issued relieving orders to Mr. Reddy on Monday evening. He could thus save the situation.

Mr.Venkataiah, deputy CEO of West Godavari, entered the CEO's chamber to assume charge at 11.45 a.m. He was "shocked" to see Mr. Reddy, who has been transferred to Medak, in the seat.

"I have not been relieved by the Collector and you have not got relieved from your post in West Godavari. How can you take charge here?'' Mr. Reddy reportedly asked Mr. Venkataiah.

When Mr.Venkataiah said that he had been transferred here by the Government, Mr. Reddy sought to know how he could run the administration when, he said, "he did not know the rules and regulations.''

The piquant situation continued for more than two hours. Finally, Mr. Reddy yielded after a telephonic conversation with the Collector, K.Vijayanand. He left the chamber after handing over charge to Mr. Venkataiah.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh