Vayalar Ravi begins ‘mission AP’; holds wide-ranging talks
In the wake of sagging popularity of Congress in Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister Vayalar Ravi on Tuesday began taking stock of the prevailing situation in the state's ruling party ahead of crucial by-elections to 18 Assembly and one Lok Sabha seat.
Ravi, an old hand in AP affairs, held consultations since morning with several MPs, MLAs, state ministers and other party functionaries to understand.
PCC President Botsa Satyanarayana, Rajya Sabha members V. Hanumantha Rao, K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao, a close friend of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, Ministers Kondru Murali Mohan, S. Sailajanath, C. Ramachandraiah and several other party legislators and functionaries were among those who met Ravi.
Party sources said Ravi held one-to-one interaction with the MLAs and others without the PCC chief being present in the room. Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy is currently on a visit to Delhi.
The need to ensure better coordination between the Chief Minister and the PCC President, the rise of Kadapa MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy and his criticism of Congress, need to give importance to SCs, STs, BCs and minorities and the ‘need to accept separate Telangana demand’ and giving ‘nominated posts’ to party leaders and workers were the major issues voiced by the leaders who met Ravi, they said.
Denying that there is lack of coordination between the Chief Minister and the state Congress President, Ravi said they are discharging their respective duties. Ravi, however, stressed the party needs to be rejuvenated and strengthened from the grassroots level and geared up to face the coming bypolls.
"The YSR party (of Jagan) is trying to challenge us in the coastal area. Yes, we have to face the challenge," he said.
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