Date:06/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/06/stories/2009010657330300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

‘Third Front will be a non-starter’

Staff Reporter

State coordinator of Congress participates in ‘Sankshema Sambaralu’

Other countries showing interest in emulating welfare schemes of State: P.J. Kurien
Left parties accused of not implementing welfare schemes in Kerala

KISHTAREDDYPET (Medak District): All India Congress Committee leader and party’s State -coordinator P.J. Kurien on Monday termed Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy as the best Chief Minister in the country.

Addressing a gathering as part of ‘Sankshema Sambaralu’, Mr. Kurien said that even the Left parties, which were criticising the government in Andhra Pradesh, had failed to implement such schemes in Kerala where they were in power.

“Not only other States, but other countries too are showing interest in emulating schemes like Arogyasri,” he said while expressing confidence that the party would retain power at both -- the State and the Centre.

Referring to the efforts being made by opposition parties to establish the Third Front, he said that it was a non starter. “Nothing will stop Congress coming to power if we are able to explain to people the schemes being implemented,” he said. PCC president D. Srinivas called upon the party leaders to be united and work for the victory of the party in the next elections. “Party ticket can be given to only one person but others should work for the winning of the candidate. At the same time, I promise that the services of those who are capable will be recognised,” he said adding that the leaders should explain to people the schemes being implemented by the government.

Infighting

Rajya Sabha member V. Hanumantha Rao expressed concern over infighting among the leaders. “While people are behind us, leaders are struggling among themselves. Leaders should work together for the party’s victory even if they don’t get ticket.” Mr. Hanumantha Rao urged women to vote for the Congress party which was looking after their welfare.

DCC chief T. Nandeeswar Goud presided over the programme. Lok Sabha member S. Satyanarayana, MLAs Sunitha Lakshma Reddy, P. Shashidhar Reddy, Suresh Shetkar and others participated.