The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : State Congress strikes it rich

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Tuesday, Sep 25, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

State Congress strikes it rich

Clinches plum positions in AICC, CWC

Kishore Chandra Deo

HYDERABAD: Reflecting the perception that Andhra Pradesh is important in its scheme of things, the Congress high command has picked up leaders from the State for some key positions in the All India Congress Committee and the Congress Working Committee (CWC).

Senior MP from Parvathipuram (ST), Kishore Chandra Deo has been appointed AICC general secretary, a post that is eluding the State Congressmen for over a decade while young MP Madhu Yashki Goud has been made the AICC secretary.

Both these appointments are interesting since Mr. Yashki Goud has been taking frequent potshots at the party leadership for delaying a decision on separate Telangana while Mr. Deo has also earned the reputation of a critic of important State Congress leaders.

But, what came as a surprise even to senior Congress leaders here was the elevation of Rajahmundry MP Vundavalli Arun Kumar as a permanent invitee to the CWC sharing the position with former Chief Minister N. Janardhan Reddy. Even Mr. Arun Kumar was reportedly caught unawares by his elevation at a relatively young age as it came at a time when he was seeking to be relieved from the AICC post.

Proximity

While a section of the Congress leaders felt Mr. Yashki Goud’s proximity with the Gandhi family scion Rahul Gandhi boosted his chances, others saw in his appointment the Congress’ intention to send a strong signal about its commitment to the Telangana cause.

Congress leaders were expecting replacement of AICC general secretary and AP affairs in-charge Digvijay Singh since he has reportedly requested for such a shift. The appointment of Mr. Veerappa Moily, who understands the nuances of the administration as a former Chief Minister, in Mr. Singh’s place has been received well by the party leaders here.

His presence, they feel, will ensure effective coordination between the party and the Government in the run-up to the 2009 elections. Moreover, the “good terms” that Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy enjoys with him would come in handy to avoid irritants that might mar the party’s image, a close aide to the Chief Minister said.

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