Date:31/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/31/stories/2008033158450300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Mayor issue: YSR non-committal

Staff Reporter

BAPATLA (GUNTUR District): Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy remained non-committal on the controversy surrounding the Mayor’s post in Guntur.

“Whatever should happen, will happen,” was the cryptic reply given by the Chief Minister replying to a query if the gentleman agreement on sharing of power between Kanna Nagaraju and Rayapati Mohan Sai Krishna would be adhered to. When reporters persisted with the poser, the Chief Minister shot back, “Lets see!”

Earlier, scribes anxious to get a quick bite from district in-charge Minister N. Rajyalakshmi were disappointed as she said: “I understand your anxiety, but I don’t have anything to say now.”

Meanwhile, hectic efforts were launched by both the rival groups to woo the corporators. Members of Kapu Sangham have come out in open support of the present Mayor Mr. Nagaraju and will conduct a meeting on Monday.

Supporters of the Mayor insist that the Rayapati family negotiated the deal stating that they would not seek any nominated post and also pleaded that injustice was being meted out to one particular caste.

But since Rayapati Srinivas was nominated as MLC, Mr. Sai Krishna should not seek the position of Mayor, they opined. With both the camps insisting that they would abide by the decision of the Chief Minister, the coming week would see plenty of drama marked by intrigue.