Date:13/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/13/stories/2006061305680600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Mood in Congress turns against CPI(M) in A.P.

W. Chandrakanth

Dismay over Left party's electoral understanding with TDP

Hyderabad: Pressure is mounting on the Andhra Pradesh State Congress leadership to break away from the CPI(M) "completely and in all districts" as a majority of leaders feel there is no point in joining hands with the Left party as it preferred to sail with the TDP in Khammam and Nalgonda districts for the panchayat elections.

Leaders meet YSR

Scores of MLAs, MPs and DCC presidents met PCC president K. Keshava Rao and Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Monday to impress upon them the futility of having any understanding with the CPI(M) in other districts too.

Tough talk

"They have decided to join hands with a party that had supported communal forces while in power. CPI(M) leaders had accused the TDP of adopting the World Bank agenda when it was in power and fought against its anti-people policies. All protests and agitations during the previous regime were brutally suppressed. Have they forgotten those killed in the agitation against power tariff so soon to join hands with them? How can we embrace them?" they asked.

They further argued that the CPI(M) leadership would have to do a lot of explaining during its campaign to justify its new-found love for the TDP.

Leaders from Krishna, West Godavari, Adilabad, Medak, Krishna, Khammam and Nalgonda were among those who met the Chief Minister in this regard.

Reports from other districts too indicated a similar mood. Kadapa and Kurnool leaders have already spoken to the PCC president.

Later, Dr. Keshava Rao and Dr. Reddy met over lunch and decided to convey the "mood and sentiment of party leaders and cadres" to the party high command as the CPI(M) is still a partner of the UPA at the Centre.

Both plan to meet on Tuesday again after holding wider consultations.