Visakhapatnam: APCC president N. Raghuveera Reddy fired a salvo at Telugu Desam, which in 1999 announced that it had committed a historical mistake by joining hands with BJP while extending apologies to Muslims and Christian minorities, which has once again struck a poll alliance with the same party for power. He said the YSR Congress will sail in a similar boat after elections.
While addressing the media in the city on Thursday, Mr Raghuveera Reddy said the YSRC and the TD hold the Congress totally responsible for the division. He pointed out that only after obtaining written approval from all political parties the Centre had gone ahead with the division process.
“The BJP announced the decision on state division 18 years ago at a meeting in Kakinada with one vote-two states campaign. YSRC also took a decision on state bifurcation at Dr YSR’s memorial three years back. But, the Congress resolved the issue only seven months ago. Why are they blaming us alone for it? It is unethical, improper and opportunistic politics,” said Mr Raghuveera Reddy.
The APCC chief also said the TD and the BJP were trying to buy not only voters but also candidates of the Congress which has been evident in two constituencies.
He said Andhra Pradesh would become a new-fangled state with surprising development since the Congress has announced special packages and status. He explained that they had appealed to the Centre for more funds and schemes for overall development.
Mr Raghuveera Reddy said, “Millionaires in the YSRC, the BJP and the TD are keen to win not with the support of the people but with money power. The country will be divided on the basis of religion and people must understand the threat from the new alliances. They should not believe parties who lack strong policy base. These parties are ‘selling’ party tickets which is detrimental to the existence of democracy.”
The APCC chief said he is confident that the party will get majority seats in the upcoming elections. RS member Dr T. Subbarami Reddy denied that the Congress had weakened in the state after bifurcation, instead he said that it had become stronger.
He criticised Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan who with no political experience has been making comments against the Congress. PCC treasurer Vatti Vasantha Kumar and Congress candidates from Vizag Parliament constituency and other Assembly segments also participated.
