The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Curtains on inaugurals

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Tuesday, Mar 03, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Curtains on inaugurals

Now that the Election Commission has announced the schedule of elections and the model code of conduct has come into effect, curtains have finally and thankfully come down on the spate of inaugurations and laying of foundation stones witnessed over the last few days. People’s representatives like the Mayor, the MP and MLAs of the city have been extremely busy over the last one month, moving from one place to another either to lay a foundation stone for a long-delayed project or inaugurate a facility that is not even fully complete. Several works undertaken by the VMC as part of JNNURM were hurriedly inaugurated, while ground-breaking ceremonies were conducted on the projects that did not take off for long, such as the VGTM-UDA’s Inner Ring Road. Officials will perhaps heave a sigh of relief, even though they have to brace up for gruelling poll-related duties till April 23.

Tough to ‘release’

PCC secretary Kolanukonda Sivaji is known for the various programmes he organises in his separate office in Gandhinagar. All Congress leaders come and participate in these programmes without any hang-ups. Press conferences and poster releases are frequently organised by him. Recently, Deputy Mayor Samanthapudi Narasaraju was invited to release a pamphlet for a padayatra proposed to be undertaken by Mr. Sivaji.

Enthusiastic followers of Mr. Sivaji wrapped the pamphlets well in colourful paper and bound it well with cellophane tape. This, however, turned out to be a problem for Mr. Narasaraju when he tried to “release” the pamphlet. Struggling to open the packet, he said these looked like the ones packed like “gelatine sticks”, resulting in peals of laughter from the audience.

Key to success

Praja Rajyam Party leaders are having a peaceful time these days, as relatively non-controversial leaders have come to head the party’s city and district units. When Kesineni Srinivas and Muthamsetti Vijaya Nirmala were heading the units, some controversy or other used to keep activists and managers on toes always. After their much-publicised stand-off and consequent exit of Kesineni Srinivas, calm descended on the party. PRP took a long time to appoint Boppana Bhava Kumar in place of Kesineni Srinivas. When asked about the secret of Bhava Kumar’s smooth sailing, a city leader referred to his good terms with various groups in the party as his key to success. By appointing non-Kapus in city and district units, PRP seems to have sent out a signal that cadres should rise above caste factor in elections.

(K. Srimali, G.V. Ramana Rao and G. Ravikiran)

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