Sonia to YSR aide: Decision after consulting PM

Congress president Sonia Gandhi will confer with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, general secretary in charge of Andhra Pradesh Veerappa Moily and other senior colleagues before deciding on late YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s successor. Saroj Nagi reports.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi will confer with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, general secretary in charge of Andhra Pradesh Veerappa Moily and other senior colleagues before deciding on late YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s (YSR) successor.

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“She said that after consulting the Prime Minister, Moily and other concerned people she will take a decision,’’ said KV Ramachandra Rao, Rajya Sabha member and YSR’s confidante who has been spearheading the emotional campaign to make Reddy’s son Jagan Mohan the chief minister.

Rao brought the Andhra developments to Gandhi’s doorstep on Tuesday when he called on her. “At the meeting, Gandhi inquired about YSR’s family and the political situation in the state,” he later said.

Since his arrival on Monday, Rao has met senior leaders AK Antony, Ahmed Patel, Motilal Vora and Moily on the Andhra developments.

But there are indications Jagan Mohan may have to wait his turn as he lacks political and administrative experience. But his and the Congress legislature party’s endorsement would be crucial for YRS’s successor. This applies also to K.Rosaiah whose elevation as chief minister is an interim arrangement.

“No sooner the mourning period is over (on September 10), we will resolve the issue,’’ claimed Moily.

The Congress may involve senior leaders like Pranab Mukherjee, Digvijay Singh and Moily to talk to legislators and build a consensus on a name. The CLP would then be called to decide on the next leader.