The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Rajasekhara Reddy told to change style of functioning

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Wednesday, Aug 08, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Rajasekhara Reddy told to change style of functioning

K.V.Prasad

High command keenly watching developments in State

His approach, attitude need to be tempered: leaders
State Congress coordination panel will meet on Thursday

NEW DELHI: The Congress high command is keenly watching the developments in Andhra Pradesh. Though a change of leadership is not yet on the cards, the party has in its own way cautioned Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy that it is time he put his act together.

Over the past few months, the YSR Government has been facing rough weather both within and outside the party. The Left parties have been agitating over the land issue and are threatening to intensify it if their demands are not met. During his recent visit to the capital last week, Dr. Reddy was told by the party central leadership that he should re-fashion his style of functioning, sources privy to the discussions told The Hindu.

In the assessment of the party leaders here, though Dr. Reddy has no challengers, his approach and attitude need to be tempered. The party leaders suggested that the Chief Minster should demonstrate the ability to carry along people holding different shades of opinion.

One major drawback in Dr. Reddy’s style of functioning noted by the Central leadership is that he is a “loner” and not a team man. This factor, the leaders felt, should be addressed by the Chief Minister without delay, considering that the State goes to the polls in two years. Another suggestion is the Chief Minster should work to remove any impression that business interests of his family members are getting mixed with matters of governance. The issue recently acquired political undertones with the Opposition Telugu Desam Party taking it up in a big way.

The message from the party is to avoid involving in business activities when in politics, especially in a position of power. The Congress leadership is concerned that such factors may go against the image of the party, which came to power in 2004 in A.P.

The Andhra Pradesh Congress Coordination Committee is scheduled to meet in Hyderabad on Thursday to review the functioning of the YSR Government and the State’s party unit.

AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh, who is in charge of party affairs in the State, is scheduled to attend the meeting.

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