No impact of dissident MLAs on Congress chances in LB polls: DS

Pradesh Congress Committee president D Srinivas on Tuesday stated that he does not foresee any impact on the party’s chances in elections to the Local Bodies due to some of the Congress MLAs moving closely with the YSR Congress Party.

“The High Command will take action against these MLAs and by the time the Local Bodies’ elections are held, the picture on the ground will be clear. There will be no confusion among the party cadre and the Congress activists will work to ensure that the party nominees capture the Local Bodies,” Mr Srinivas told media persons at the Gandhi Bhavan.

He also stated that there is no connection between the separate Telangana statehood demand and elections to the Local Bodies and called upon party rank and file to get ready for the forthcoming polls.

Mr Srinivas added that the state government had been trying to increase the percentage of reservations to Backward Classes candidates and this has been the reason for not conducting the elections earlier. “The separate Telangana demand is not the reason behind the delay in conducting the elections to the Local Bodies,” Mr Srinivas stated.

Stating that the notification for the elections to Local Bodies would be issued soon, the PCC president directed the District Congress Committee presidents to gear up for the polls.

Mr Srinivas disclosed that the DCC presidents have been directed to hold consultations with local leaders ascertain the party’s strengths and weaknesses.

Based on the report given by DCCs presidents, the party would recommend steps for strengthening party at ground level, he stated.

“Action against the MLAs moving closely with Mr YS Jaganmohan Reddy would also be taken based on the reports submitted by the DCC president,” the PCC chief stated.

Stating the government is committed to implement 34 percent reservations for Backward Classes in the local body elections, Mr Srinivas said that the party was ready to face whatever legal hurdles come in its way.

Reiterating the Congress was not against formation of Telangana state, he said that the party had already made its stand clear and the Centre will take a decision on it soon after convening of all-party meeting. 

“The Telangana issue is got delayed due to some regional problems” he said.

He also made it clear there is no connection between Telangana issue and conducting of local body elections, he stated.

Reacting on reports that Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu would introduce a no Confidence Motion against the government, Mr Srinivas said the Opposition has every right to do so. “We have no objection for utilizing their right. However, the Congress is ready to face no Confidence Motion at any time,” he stated.