No to Naidu, Andhra says YeSsiR

Addressing the media on the Assembly premises this afternoon, Reddy said people’s faith in the leadership of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, indignation against the Telugu Desam regime, Telangana sentiment and the hard work done by party activists were some of the factors which worked in favour of the Congress victory.

Replying to questions, Reddy said the party was committed to fulfilling all its pre-poll promises including supply of free power to farmers. He said that the new government would take the initiative to resume talks with the PWG to find a ‘‘lasting solution’’ to the Naxal problem.

He parried answers on the party’s ally, TRS, joining the government. ‘‘We will abide by our high command’s decision on this,’’ Reddy said. On reviving the development board for Telangana, he said: ‘‘We will take a decision on it after talking to TRS leaders.’’

Asked if the Congress would have won more seats if it did not have an alliance with TRS, Reddy said, ‘‘We are happy with our alliance, as we could avoid the split in anti-NDA votes’’, in the state.

Without going into details, Rajasekhara Reddy indicated that the swearing-in of the new chief minister would be on May 14. Earlier in the day, Reddy’s Banjara Hills residence was flooded with senior leaders and well-wishers who turned up to congratulate him. The former CLP leader was forced to come to the courtyard often to acknowledge cheers of party workers and leaders.

The first thing Rajasekhara Reddy did, after the trends established the Congress victory, was to drive to Punjagutta crossroads and garland the statue of Rajiv Gandhi.