Bring back those who left the party, Chandy to partymen

Vijayawada: Oommen Chandy, newly appointed in-charge for Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee,  here on Tuesday entered the party office Andhra Rratna Bhavan for the first time after taking his new responsibility. He met the rank and file of the party while they congratulated him.

He participated in the Congress coordination committee meeting and discussed the party position in the state with the leaders of 13 districts. He requested the party leaders to review the party position regularly and take steps to strengthen the party at grass-root level.  

On the occasion, Chandy called upon the party leaders to invite the former Congress leaders and the workers who left the party and explain the Congress history and its services to the people and the nation.  

Former Union minister M M Pallam Raju revealed the details of meeting to the media persons. He said that the Congress would get public support in near future. Already the Congress improved its position across the state, he said, and added that the new party in-charge also would strengthen the party base by using his experience.  

He said that only Congress could accord Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh. The regional parties would not solve the issues of state, he opined. He recalled that All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Rahul Gandhi had already assured SCS to AP after coming to power.   

Palla Raju said YSRCP and TDP had failed to fight for SCS. The BJP cheated the people of the state, he reiterated that only Congress would fulfil the promise made to the state in AP Reorganisation Act.

PCC president N Raghuveera Reddy, Rajya Sabha member K V P Ramachandra Rao, Kotla Suryaprakash Reddy, Killi Kruparani, JD Sheelam and several leaders were also present.

Later, Oommen Chandy participated in Iftar party here and greeted the Muslims. He also said that the Congress would give protection to the Muslims.