The Centre seems to be getting ready to make a crucial announcement on a new government to be in place in Andhra Pradesh in a day or two. It is holding hectic parleys with all leaders of Seemandhra and Telangana to rope in a new Chief Minister.
According to sources, AICC strongly feels it would be better if a Kapu leader like Chiranjeevi is made a new CM of the State. Though other Kapu leaders with good image and name in politics like Kanna Lakshminarayana and Botcha Satyanarayana from Seemandhra, it is learnt that Chiranjeevi is the front runner for the post. While the Centre is expected to announce a new interim government on February 27, leaders from Telangana and Seemandhra are busy lobbying in the national capital to test their luck.
It is stated that as there is no objection from the Telangana leaders, the Centre is opting to rope in either Chiranjeevi or Kanna for the post. Major factors that help Chiru to be the main contender include he has about 18 per cent of vote bank in the State, image and charisma and a Kapu leader, who can pull the crowds for the general elections to be held in April and May. The Centre which invited wrath from Seemandhra after taking a decision on Telangana state, is in a mood to patch up with things and strengthen the party to keep its vote bank in tact.
Though Kiran Kumar Reddy is planning to float a political party, it is hard that he may split the votes of the Congress or YCRCP or TDP. On the other hand, the AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Digvijay Singh held parleys with leaders of both the regions and said to have convinced them on finalizing the new CM.
It may be called that Election Commission has stated that the elections will be held as per schedule irrespective of the new government in Andhra Pradesh or President Rule comes into effect. As the state is awaiting a gazette followed by assent of President Pranab Mukherjee, the Congress high command feels that it can do better in the general elections and rope in Chiranjeevi rather than any other kapu leaders, sources said. If the sources are to be believed the actor turned politician who failed to become the CM during last elections followed by merger of Praja Rajyam into the Congress fold, may be elevated to top post, it is learnt. Media houses are of the opinion that the Center wants makes use of the services of other top leaders in PCC for time being. (NSS)
