Date:02/05/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/05/02/stories/2004050202730400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Three leaders deny involvement

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, MAY 1. In a new twist to the demand for the ouster of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president, D. Srinivas, three of the eight secretaries who sent a letter highlighting their demand to the AICC president, Sonia Gandhi, have denied signing it.

Addressing a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan on Saturday, Suresh Kumar, C. Gangabhavani and Medhini Prakash, secretaries of the APCC, expressed surprise at the inclusion of their names in the list of signatories and went to the extent of saying that it could be forged. "We are not party to the contents of the statement and we do not know who have signed on our behalf."

Disowning whatever has been mentioned in the statement, they said a section of partymen who were inimical to the PCC president were making allegations and carrying out a campaign against him. "On our part, we have not made any comment. We will take up the issue of misuse of our names with the PCC president."

Replying to a question, they said they may not complain to the police (for forging their signatures), but would take it up with the party leadership.

Ms. Gangabhavani said the party had not done injustice to her and she got all the opportunities. It was even prepared to give ticket to her but she declined.

It may be recalled that eight secretaries and two joint secretaries shot off a letter to Ms. Gandhi on Friday, demanding removal of the PCC president and an enquiry into the "pay-for-ticket" charges against him.