Raghuveera’s meeting with Sonia, PM worries Kiran camp

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy’s supporters had a shock on Monday as Revenue N Raghuveera Reddy, who had joined the bandwagon of D-group (dissidence group) met AICC president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today.

Raghuveera had been maintaining a distance with CM Kiran Reddy suspecting the latter’s foul play with regard to negative news reports  appeared against him in a section of the media owned by CM’s close aides. The news reports have highlighted the Raghuveera’s recent business expansions and new takeovers.  He also developed a grudge against Kiran Reddy for sidelining him and encouraging another minister Sailajanath of the same district of Anantapur. 

Raghuveera Reddy had met PCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana along with another dissident minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy. The three senior Congress leaders had called on Union Minister Chiranjeevi later in the day and they have confabulations for more than two hours at Chiru’s residence. After two days, Raghuveera had flown to New Delhi and got a chance to meet Sonia Gandhi. Sonia reportedly inquired him about the party position in the state. He underscored the need to strengthen the party and also complained against CM Kiran Kumar Reddy’s unilateral decisions and announcing new schemes like “Bangaru Talli” without consulting in the cabinet. Later, he also discussed about the state affairs with Manmohan Singh. 

Meanwhile, Sonia Gandhi allotting time for Raghuveera Reddy baffled the supporters of Kiran. PCC Chief Botsa has been denied permission to meet Sonia Gandhi. He returned to Hyderabad yesterday without meeting Sonia Gandhi after four-day stay in Delhi. It is observed that Botsa went to Delhi to meet Sonia to discuss key issues like finalising the block, mandal and district committees in the wake of local body polls. He met Gulam Nabi Azad and reportedly complained against the Chief Minister. But, his attempt to meet Sonia Gandhi proved futile. Interestingly, Raghuveera Reddy secured the opportunity to meet Sonia within two days.  Kiran camp felt that Chiranjeevi’s initiatives worked in favour of Raghuveera to get an opportunity. 

It is believed that it may be a part of the plan of Kiran’s detractors to meet the party president one after the other to exert pressure for change of guard in the State. Either Anam or Deputy Chief Minister Rajanarasimha may meet Sonia next as part of the mission against Kiran. 

In another development, former PCC chief D Srinivas became dynamic when Botsa was away in Delhi. Surprisingly, noted singer Ghajal Srinivas  joined the Congress in the presence of DS and many leaders including Telangana and Seemandhra were present on the occasion. Incidentally, active participation of DS and Botsa returning from Delhi without meeting Sonia gave vent for   speculations in the Congress party. DS who had a good track record as PCC president for bringing victory for Congress in 2004, may be the right choice to replace Botsa, feel the party circles. Incidentally DS has a support from the leaders of all the regions. In the wake of victory in Karnataka, the Congress party is now concentrating on AP affairs. Some important decisions are expected in a week or two.

-Sakshipost