Sonia to visit drought-hit areas in State

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, SEPT. 6. The Congress-I president, Ms. Sonia Gandhi, is likely to visit some drought-affected areas in Andhra Pradesh after the byelections to the two Assembly constituencies, Vuyyur and Siddipet, on September 20.

A request to this effect was made to her by the APCC-I president, Mr.M.Satyanarayana Rao, and the leader of the CLP, Dr.Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy, when they met her at the Hyderabad airport lounge after her visit to Apollo Hospital to enquire about the health of Mr.Kotla Vijayabhaskara Reddy.

Mrs Gandhi flew in from Delhi this morning to see the ailing leader and later left for Mumbai. She utilised an hour's spare time at the airport to discuss various issues including party affairs and drought with the State leaders. Mr.Motilal Vora, the AICC general secretary, and Mr.G.Venkataswamy, chairman of the AICC SC/ST cell, were also present. She did not meet any other party leader during the brief visit.

Talking to presspersons after seeing her off, Dr.Rajasekhara Reddy said that she had expressed concern over the grim drought conditions in the State and promised to visit some of the affected areas after the Assembly bypoll.

Mr.Satyanarayana Rao said that he had also brought to her notice the attacks on Congress-I leaders and workers by the ruling TDP functionaries. The context in which the CLP leader made the appeal to partymen to be prepared themselves for

"Atmarpana" in resisting these attacks was also explained to her and she was appreciative of the idea, Mr.Rao added.

The PCC-I chief said Mrs Gandhi stressed on the need for discipline in the party and she was briefed about the resolution adopted at the first meeting of the PCC-I executive committee in this regard.

"I have told her that there is perfect coordination between the CLP and PCC which has paid dividends for the party in the recent local body elections and she expressed her satisfaction," Mr.Rao pointed out.

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Section  : Southern States
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