The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : CM hopeful of joint contest in 2009

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Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

CM hopeful of joint contest in 2009

Special Correspondent

Says Congress, Left have responsibility to protect secular values in country

‘Congress, Left parties bound by common goal’
Charge of suppressing Left stirs dismissed

HYDERABAD: The vehement opposition to the government’s policies by the Left, particularly the CPI (M), notwithstanding, Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy appears confident that the Congress and the Left would contest the elections in 2009 together.

The Chief Minister’s views assume importance in the light of reports that the CPI (M) was weighing the pros and cons of reviving its ties with the Telugu Desam Party.

In an interview to a television channel, Dr. Reddy substantiated his views claiming that the Congress and the Left had the responsibility of taking forward the secular values of the country.

Continuing support

“Why should we not contest together when we are working for a common goal,” he said, reminding the Left’s continuing support to the United Progressive Alliance despite the differences the parties had with the Congress in States like West Bengal and Kerala.

He dismissed the Left parties’ charge that the government was trying to suppress agitations through the police on the ground that it would not remain silent when the parties tried to violate the existing laws and occupy government lands.

On the independent land commission, he said the government had constituted special committees headed by the Revenue Minister and Commissionerate of Land Administration to oversee land-related issues.

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