Chiru gets more say in Congress

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In a meeting designed to send a message to the state Congress, party leader K. Chiranjeevi called on Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy on Tuesday evening. According to sources, both leaders agreed to work together in all respects, including decision making. Mr Chiranjeevi had had an exclusive half-an-hour long meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi two days ago.

Though both he and the CM remained tight-lipped on Tuesday’s meeting, it assumed significance in the backdrop of Mr Chiranjeevi’s close aide and minister C. Ramachandraiah’s criticism on the state of affairs in the Congress. According to sources, both the leaders were clearly told by party's central leadership to work in unison and also work for the success of the party in the forthcoming bypolls. Sources said that Mrs Gandhi has specifically entrusted Mr Chiranjeevi with the responsibility of campaigning for the bypolls and asked him to be involved in all aspects of the party affairs.

After his meeting with Mrs Gandhi, the message was conveyed to the Chief Minister that Mr Chiranjeevi should be involved in all party affairs. This essentially means that Mr Chiranjeevi will have more say in important decision making, sources said. During Tuesday’s meeting, Mr Chiranjeevi assured Mr Kiran Kumar Reddy of his full cooperation in all matters. Sources said Mr Chiranjeevi suggested that all the vacant nominated posts be filled to keep the party cadre in good humour. It is significant that Chief Minister has been maintaining a good rapport with Mr Chiranjeevi for the last few weeks, after sensing the high command’s mood.