Date:01/07/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/07/01/stories/2004070108210400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Manmohan not contesting from Nandyal: YSR

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, JUNE 30. The Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, said here today that there was no discussion at any stage in the Congress on the possibility of the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, contesting for the Lok Sabha from Nandyal constituency.

Reports that Dr. Singh, a Rajya Sabha member, would contest the Nandyal Lok Sabha seat, which is held by the Congress, had been circulating after he decided to visit Somayajulapalli village, which falls in the Parliamentary constituency, to interact with the bereaved families of farmers. However, Dr. Reddy said he had no knowledge of any such proposal.

He pointed out that the Prime Minister's tour programme had been altered from Anantapur to Kurnool district for technical reasons relating to helicopters. It was not true that the change had been made to avoid Dr. Singh visiting Anantapur where six Telugu Desam leaders were murdered in separate incidents.