Hyderabad, July 12: Development will be the main issue for the Congress in the ensuing bypolls in the Telangana region, says Chief Minister K Rosaiah and he claims victory for the party in the byelections would pave the way for more welfare and development programmes. “Anguished” by the controversy surrounding his statements on Kadapa MP Jagan Mohan Reddy’s Odarpu Yatra, he clarifies that the young man is like his son.
Here are excerpts from his freewheeling chat with reporters.
Q Will you cut subsidies and prune welfare schemes?
A The government is reviewing welfare schemes in order to weed out ineligible beneficiaries. But, the Opposition has resorted to false propaganda that the government is scrapping some schemes. There will be no cuts in development or welfare schemes.
I am not receiving any directions from Delhi on daily administration. If I seek suggestions, the Centre will be ready to guide the state. The Congress high command is protecting freedom of the States as enshrined in the Constitution.
Q What is your reaction to YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s comments on politics?
A I will not react. The Congress high command is examining them. Some people are making a mountain of a mole hill. I merely repeated what Jagan himself had stated in his open letter to the people that Sonia Gandhi was not favourably disposed towards his yatra. I have never changed my stand as reported in a section of the media. One should understand that there is a process in the Congress to select a chief ministerial candidate.
Q Unlike in the past, you are getting irritated frequently. What’s the reason?
A The responsibilities have increased. Age is also a factor. I am also working 20 hours a day. But, I will not run away from my duties.
Q What is your slogan in the byelections?
A Development and welfare schemes are the two main slogans of the Congress in the elections.
Q PCC president D Srinivas claimed that he would get the “highest” post, if he wins the Nizamabad seat?
A It is the prerogative of the high command to decide who should hold which position and for how long. I do not want to comment on PCC chief’s comments. You had better seek a clarification from the PCC chief.
Q There are allegations that there is an agreement between you and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu?
A I have no clue as to how to react to this type of allegations! Where is the need for me to have a clandestine agreement with Naidu who was a chief minister for nine years and now an Opposition leader? I will not respond to cheap comments. I run the administration to fulfil the aspirations of the people.
Q Is there a Cabinet expansion on the cards?
A Cabinet expansion will take place at an appropriate time. It is under the consideration of the high command.
Q You had acted as number two for several chief ministers. Who is your number two in your Cabinet?
A There are so many friends to share my responsibility.
–Agencies–