Date:12/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/12/stories/2007091252560600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Kesava Rao resigns, lobbying begins for his successor

Special Correspondent

Nandi Yellaiah meets Congress in-charge of A.P.
Keshava Rao’s services to be used elsewhere by party

NEW DELHI: The resignation of Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president K. Kesava Rao was accepted on Tuesday.

Mr. Rao had offered to resign on Monday soon after a murder case was registered against his son K. Venkat Rao.

Mr. Rao met Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday afternoon to explain the case relating to the mysterious death of a realtor at his son’s residence on Sunday. He also explained to Ms. Gandhi that he wanted to step down as his conscience did not permit him to remain in the post for fear that it could result in allegations of trying to influence the case.

Briefing mediapersons later, Mr. Rao said Ms. Gandhi was appreciative of his decision and told him that his services would be used by the party elsewhere.

New chief in a week

He also met Congress in-charge of Andhra Pradesh Digvijay Singh who later told mediapersons that a successor to Mr. Rao would be appointed within a week.

Meanwhile, lobbying has begun in right earnest for the PCC president’s post.

Rajya Sabha member V. Hanumantha Rao and Lok Sabha member from Guntur Rayapati Sambasiva Rao met Ms. Gandhi on Tuesday.

Besides, Rajya Sabha member Nandi Yellaiah met Mr. Digvijay Singh.

Rushing to Delhi

With senior Andhra leaders making a beeline for the Capital, Mr. Digvijay Singh said there was no point in anyone heading for New Delhi in the hope of being made PCC president or influencing the decision. “We will appoint an efficient man who can work along with the Chief Minister and other senior leaders of the State.”

The former PCC president has been camping in the Capital since Monday afternoon in the hope of an appointment with Ms. Gandhi.