National

APCC chief sore at not being invited?

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president D. Srinivas has said that he was not invited for the foundation stone laying ceremony of Pranahita-Chevella irrigation project at Chevella on Wednesday.

Asked why he was not seen at the function, Mr. Srinivas said he did not receive any invitation.

Moreover it was an official function and his presence was not necessary. “I would have attended the meeting, if an invitation had been extended,” he said and pointed out that authorities should explain why Congress Working Committee member G. Venkataswamy was not invited.

At a press conference here on Friday, Mr. Srinivas reiterated his warning to the partymen to desist from airing their views openly on the contentious Telangana statehood issue.

He was responding to the criticism by some leaders including Nellore legislator Anam Vivekananda Reddy.

He faulted the Nellore MLA for his remark that statehood was not a commodity to be sold in a sweet shop. He said if Mr. Vivekananda Reddy referred to the issue concerning Andhra or Rayalaseema regions, it would be welcome.

“Why should he make comments on the Telangana statehood?” he asked and warned partymen of disciplinary action, if they defied him.

Mr. Srinivas said that the high command would take a decision that would benefit the party before the next elections. He wanted the leaders to approach the high command and explain their feelings on sensitive issues instead of going public.

The PCC chief will begin his district tours from November 22 covering Warangal, Adilabad, Karimnagar and Nizamabad districts till November 25.

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