The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Pallamraju favours ‘Modi-type experiment’ for State Congress

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Thursday, May 15, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Pallamraju favours ‘Modi-type experiment’ for State Congress

Special Correspondent

Wants non-performing MLAs to be denied ticket in 2009 elections

AICC coordinator calls for unity among leaders
Regional parties threat to country, says MP

- PHOTO: P. V. SIVAKUMAR

Dream project: A delegate at the fourth Rededication Day of the Congress government has a close look at the Metro Rail poster in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

HYDERABAD: Union Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallamraju has proposed a ‘Narendra Modi-type experiment’ for the Congress in the State by denying the party ticket to non-performing MLAs in the 2009 Assembly elections to improve the party’s chances of winning.

Addressing the Rededication Day celebrations of the Congress Government here on Wednesday, Mr. Pallamraju said the party leadership should not have any hesitation in denying ticket to sitting MLAs who do not enjoy the confidence of people. By doing so, the party would strengthen its position.

Call for unity

All-India Congress Committee coordinator for the State P.J. Kurien said the Congress could expect a better performance in the next elections if its leaders were united.

There were bound to be differences but they should not be expressed publicly as it would damage the prospects of the party. The leaders could air their feelings at appropriate fora.

Rashid Alvi, MP, held that regional parties such as the Telugu Desam were a threat to the unity and integrity of the country as the spirit of nationalism was lacking in them.

He criticised TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu for sowing the seed of disintegration by stating that the Central Government was spending the revenue earned from the South in the North.

Naidu targeted

Finance Minister K. Rosaiah launched a broadside against Mr. Naidu for finding fault with Congress programmes and accusing the Government of corruption.

He said Mr. Naidu had no moral right to comment on the programmes as he himself did not initiate any such steps during his nine-year rule.

Congress Working Committee member V. Arun Kumar said the Government programmes were the trump card for the Congress in the next elections.

He suggested the Government to launch a toll-free number to enable people pass on information about hoarding of essential commodities.

In return, the callers should be rewarded, he said.

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