The Hindu : New Delhi News : ‘Congress reigning champion in State’

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Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008
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‘Congress reigning champion in State’

Special Correspondent

YSR denies Chiru issue was discussed with Sonia Gandhi

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy was not daunted by the political entry of actor-politician Chiranjeevi when he said that the Congress was the reigning champion of the State. “We are very very strong and we are not concerned about such things. We do what we feel is good for the people.”

He reminded the actor that the Congress had a history of over 120 years whereas his party’s name was yet to be announced.

Dr. Reddy was reacting to a reporter’s question on which party -- Congress or the TDP -- he thought, would get hit in view of Chiru’s political entry.

Though anyone was free to challenge the Congress, it was ultimately the people who decide on the party to be kept in saddle. Mr. Chiranjeevi had the right to do anything what he wished.

Asked whether he was ignoring Mr. Chirajeevi or was stating that he would not be a major force to reckon with, he said: “I did not say so. Let the forthcoming election decide on who should rule the State.”

The Chief Minister said that during the four-and-a-half year Congress rule in Andhra Pradesh, there was nothing left which the government had not done. No one could do more than what the Congress government had already done.

When reminded that the Congress ridiculed Mr. NTR too when he launched the party but ultimately it had to suffer in the huge NTR wave, Dr. Reddy said the situation prevailing then and now could not be compared.

He denied that Chiru issue was discussed with AICC president Sonia Gandhi on Monday here when he met her. “We just discussed the political situation in the State and the details cannot be shared with you.”

He refused to give a direct answer when asked, whether he, as a co-politician, would wish Mr. Chiranjeevi good luck in politics. He shot back: “I am not a co-politician with anyone. I am a politician on my own.”

Asked to comment on the actor’s statement that there was a political vacuum in the State, the Chief Minister sarcastically remarked: “Is it so? I am not aware of it. It is fine if he thinks so.”

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