Bypolls in AP not referendum on Cong govt: CM

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy today said results of the ensuing Assembly bypolls in the state would neither have any bearing on his government nor could they be treated as a referendum.

"These byelections (seven constituencies in Telangana and 17 in Andhra-Rayalaseema regions) are being held in some special circumstances. They will not have any impact on the government. And they can't be treated as a referendum on my government," he said in an informal chat with reporters in the Assembly .

He, however, evaded replies to other questions on the bypolls.

When asked about the Congress' choice of candidates for the biennial elections to Rajya Sabha from the state, slated for March 30, Kiran said the party high command would take a decision in this regard.

Replying to a query if the Tirupati MLA K Chiranjeevi would be fielded for Rajya Sabha, the chief minister said, "He is a megastar...he will be useful for the party either in the state or at the Centre."

Kiran also sought to parry questions on ongoing CBI probe against Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, saying "the state government doesn't interfere with the CBI investigation".