HYDERABAD: The second meeting of the Pradesh Election Committee (PEC) to shortlist Congress candidates for the Legislative Council elections under the MLA quota authorised the party high command to finalise the list by giving a large representation to weaker sections, minorities and women.

The PEC meeting chaired by APCC president K. Keshava Rao and attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy here on Sunday concurred with the views expressed by the members that forward caste people were given more tickets in the local authorities quota.

Rajya Sabha Member V. Hanumantha Rao and the Congress Deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, G. Venkatswamy, particularly, wanted Backward Classes to be given tickets.

Dr. Reddy is believed to have agreed to the suggestion made by the leaders.

Justice to be rendered

Municipal Administration Minister Koneru Ranga Rao is stated to have requested consideration of Madigas for the tickets as Malas were allotted tickets from local authorities constituencies.

Addressing a press conference, Dr. Keshava Rao admitted that a mistake had occurred in the selection of candidates from local authorities constituencies, notwithstanding the high command's guidelines.

"We have decided to select candidates from the Backward Classes and render justice now," he added.

The APCC chief said in all 560 applications had been received for the Council elections and the party had identified 16 BC communities, which had no representation in the Assembly.

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