In what is called a clear indication that he is behind the “Samaikyandhra Party”, whose campaign is intensified in Seemandhra districts, Vijayawada MP and staunch integrationist L Rajagopal today said that he prepared the “pitch ready for batting”. Now it is up to the Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy to show his mettle and strength, he said indirectly.
Interacting with press persons at Assembly lobbies after closeting with Kiran Reddy for some time, he parried a direct reply on the new party campaign and probability of Kiran Reddy leading it or joining it. The Vijayawada MP stated that it is the public who want to see the ‘new party’.
Rajagopal said that he suggested to the Chief Minister to talk on the bill if time was not extended by the President Pranab Mukherjee. The Center will extend about two weeks time for continuing debate on Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill 2013. Though there is some confusion on time extension which is awaited by 4 pm, he said that the two weeks will be given with some gap, he said. Depending on the Center’s decision on time extension, the Chief Minister will address the house, he said. Rajagopal said that the President will surely extend the time as is being sought by the Seemandhra leaders including the Chief Minister. He exuded confidence that the President will give his nod for extending time for the debate. (NSS)