Azad tells AP Congress leaders to unite
AICC General Secretary in-charge of AP affairs Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was dismayed over the lack of co-ordination between the chief minister and the Council of his ministers, told the Congressmen to bring their act together in facing challenges.
He was here on Thursday to participate in the first co-ordination committee meeting aimed at creating a conducive atmosphere between different groups at the Gandhi Bhavan, the Congress headquarters in AP.
Members of the committee include the chief minister, his deputy Damodar Raj Narasimha, APCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana, former PCC chief D Srinivas, Chiranjeevi, Shabbir Ali, Kavuri Sambasiva Rao and Rayapati Sambasiva Rao.
Even before the meeting, several leaders called on Azad at the Lake View Guest House and discussed various issues confronting the state and the party, in view of the ensuing by-elections in the state.
The chief minister and deputy chief minister also met the in-charge separately ahead of the meeting. According to sources, many of the seniors expressed their anguish in front of Azad about the inordinate delay in filling of nominated posts.
In one of the one-on-one meeting, it is learnt that Azad expressed anguish over the state of affairs in running emergency medical services, particularly the ailing 108 emergency service in the state.
He is said to have pulled up Health Minister D L Ravindra Reddy, particularly in view of the shabby treatment meted to President of India’s cook in Gandhi Hospital here on January 1.
Cajoling Congress leaders from Telangana region, who complained to Azad about the impact of delay in announcing separate state on the future fortune of the party, he urged them to wait till the party high command takes a decision on the sensitive issue.
Meanwhile, Chiranjeevi who is hoping that Azad’s visit will kickstart the countdown for induction of at least two Praia Rajyam party legislators into the state Cabinet.
The Cabinet expansion has been pending for a long time as Chief Minister Kirankumar Reddy got it deferred as the merger of PRP was not complete. However, Azad has openly assured the PRP that induction will not be further delayed.
