Cong ready for by-elections: Botsa

Pradesh Congress Committee president Botsa Satyanarayana on Friday claimed that the party was ready to face the by-elections in the constituencies which are likely to fall vacant due to the disqualification of rebel MLAs.

Talking to media persons at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan, the PCC chief hoped that all 16 MLAs would be disqualified under the Anti Defection Law for defying the party whip during the No Confidence Motion in the assembly. He said that the party was gearing up for the by-elections and the process of identifying the suitable candidates for these constituencies has been initiated.

Stating that victory and defeat in the elections are part of electoral politics, Botsa said that the party would take the results of by-elections in sportive manner. However, he said the by-elections would not be a referendum on the government's performance. He said that all the Congress leaders would contest the elections unitedly.

The PCC chief said that the Congress High Command has given its nod for action against 16 MLAs who joined the YSR Congress party. Further, four MLCs, who now sailing with Kadapa MP YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's camp will also face action, he said.

Botsa slammed TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu for introducing the No Trust Motion with an eye on power. “He introduced the No Confidence Motion to protect his selfish interests. However, the Congress defeated the motion efficiently with the cooperation of all MLAs and proved its strength,” he stated.

The PCC president also denied having any differences with Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy over the policy matters. “I have a clear understanding with the Chief Minister,” he stated. When media personnel cited some media reports about him having difference with Kiran Kumar Reddy, he said he would react only after going through those reports.

Regarding Telangana issue, he expressed confidence that the High Command would soon take a decision despite lack of unanimity among the parties. He announced that the party would give a suitable position to K Chiranjeevi, who has merged his Praja Rajyam Party with the Congress. He also assured that the leaders and cadres of erstwhile PRP would be accommodated in the party and government soon.

Botsa also hinted of making major changes in the Pradesh Congress Committee and DCCs soon. He said that he has already discussed the matter with the senior Congress leaders.