PCC Chief Botcha Satyanarayana today said that there is no use if Kiran Reddy resigns to his Chief Minister post now when the bifurcation process reached its final stage.
Interacting with media persons at Assembly lobbies soon after it was adjourned followed by Finance Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy presenting 20140-15 vote on account budget amid protests, he said that Kiran should have quit six months ago. Though Kiran resigns now he will not get Samaikyandhra credit, he felt. The PCC Chief said that there will not be any influence on the Centre even if Kiran Reddy resigns now. He alleged that Kiran is escaping the responsibility of leading the campaign of general elections on behalf of the party by stepping down.
Asked for his comments on reports that the Chief Minister will quit and float a new party in the event of the Telangana Bill being passed, Botcha replied that he didn’t think Kiran will quit the Congress. When the Parliament passes the Telangana bill in a day or two, it tantamount to avoiding the responsibility on behalf of the party for the forthcoming general elections. Now that the Centre is introducing the bill in Parliament and President has given his nod, what is the use of stepping down, he retorted. Kiran Reddy could have mounted pressure when Congress Working Committee took a decision to bifurcate the state, Botcha said adding that he suggested for Seemandhra leaders en masse resignations against bifurcation then itself.
Botcha’s comments assume significance as Kiran Reddy said that he will step down if the bill is introduced in the Parliament. On Telangana ministers boycotting the Cabinet meet before the Assembly began, he said that it is better if they attended it. On increase of Jalayagnam funds, he said that the Cabinet should have taken it up for a discussion. He also said that he sought clarification from Chief Secretary in this regard. (NSS)
