The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : ‘Fight will be between Congress and TDP’

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Monday, Mar 31, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘Fight will be between Congress and TDP’

The ruling party is comfortably placed in several constituencies for the by-elections, says D. Srinivas

HYDERABAD: The newly appointed Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president D. Srinivas has contended that the fight will be mainly between the Congress and the Telugu Desam Party in several constituencies where by-elections are scheduled following resignation by the Telangana Rashtra Samiti MLAs.

Notwithstanding the vitriolic campaign by the TRS against the Congress that the latter deceived the people of Telangana, Mr. Srinivas told The Hindu on Sunday that the ruling party was comfortably placed in several constituencies.

“The contest in several places will be between the Congress and the TDP,” pointing to the ‘poor performance’ of the TRS in local bodies’ elections. Citing a few examples, he said that it would be a direct fight between the Congress and the TDP in Yellareddy, Dichpally, Jadcherla and Vikarabad Assembly segments.

Asserting that the party was fully geared to face the elections, he said the Congress would focus on the development plank. “None can say there is no development in the last four years,” he added and exuded confidence over the party’s prospects despite the sentiment. “Fruits of development are reaching everybody and this is enough to fight the TRS.” It would not be as easy as made out by the TRS as the situation was quite different from the one which prevailed during the by-elections to Karimnagar Lok Sabha seat.

Taking no chances

However, the Congress is taking no chances and is scouting for candidates with clean image, commitment and popularity to take on its rivals in the by-elections. With the Central Election Commission expected to announce the by-poll date any time, the party has already begun an internal survey as part of the exercise to shortlist the probable candidates.

Making it clear that Congress was looking for winning horses, the APCC chief said, “Leaders with popularity, acceptance and commitment will be given preference.”

Mr. Srinivas said that senior Telangana Congress leaders should strengthen the hands of AICC president Sonia Gandhi and the party so that their demand for Telangana was considered positively. On the proposed political party by film actor Chiranjeevi, he said Congress will give its reaction when the party is launched.

To leave for Delhi

Mr. Srinivas will leave for New Delhi on Monday morning to call on the party chief Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders.

Sources said Mr. Srinivas is expected to meet Ms. Gandhi and thank her for appointing him as the party chief for the second time. He will also call on Ms. Gandhi’s political secretary Ahmed Patel and AICC general secretary in charge of AP affairs, M. Veerappa Moily.

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