'AP needs effective leaders than administrators': Revanth Reddy

Visakhapatnam: Instead of administrators, Andhra Pradesh needs effective leadership that raises questions, opined Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.

Addressing a massive crowd gathered at Trishna Grounds at Ukkunagaram in Visakhapatnam on Saturday at the ‘Nyaya Sadhana sabha-Visakhapatnam Steel Plant declaration’, the Telangana Chief Minister said even as the Telugu states were divided by territory, he would stand for the people of Andhra Pradesh whenever there is a dire need.

The state is mired in major issues as there is no one who could raise the voice against the Union government, he emphasised. Stressing that AP requires a leader who would fulfill aspirations of former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, Revanth Reddy mentioned, “YSR had been unconditional in reaching out to the people of undivided Andhra Pradesh. He was never on his knees before the BJP government then like how both the YSRCP and TDP are stooping now. There is a need to know who the right heir of YSR is. YSR means YS Sharmila Reddy and her name consists of ‘YSR’.”

Appreciating the APCC chief’s fighting spirit, Revanth Reddy said she will battle even if it costs her life for the sake of AP people. “As the CM of the neighbouring state, I will always be accessible to her whenever she needs my support. AP needs Sharmila’s leadership,” he opined.

Making it clear that Sharmila never aspired for power, Revanth Reddy stated that she came to the state to resolve issues faced by the people of AP. “The massive participation of the sabha makes me feel that I am addressing a sabha in Telangana,” he mentioned.

Reiterating that even after a decade, there is no capital for Andhra Pradesh and the Polavaram project continues to be pending, the Telangana CM stated, “AP will flourish only when the Congress comes to power as the party is focused on completing the Polavaram project, build the capital city and stop the Centre’s decision of privatising Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.” Giving a new acronym to the BJP, the neighbouring state CM said it means ‘Babu-Jagan-Pawan’.

Revanth Reddy pointed out that neither the ruling party nor the Opposition has the guts to question Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “YS Sharmila is waging an intense battle to become the Chief Minister of AP. And as the neighbouring CM, I will always lend my support to her,” he announced.

Delivering her speech, APCC president YS Sharmila Reddy said, “If Congress comes to power in AP, the first signature of Rahul Gandhi would be on the document for getting Special Category Status to AP for 10 years. I am announcing this on behalf of Rahul Gandhi.”

Sharmila cautioned voters that by electing the same leader, the people of AP will only invite trouble. “Rs.600 Crore has been spent on YSRCP’s ‘Siddham’ campaign. Each sabha incurs Rs.90 crore of expenditure. Both the TDP and YSRCP are ready with bundles of money to distribute to the voters. But exercise caution while casting the vote,” she alerted.

When a dog has to be killed, it needs to be branded as a ‘mad’ one. The Centre is following the same principle to brand the VSP as a non-performing entity so that it becomes easier to hand it over to the corporate player, Sharmila criticised.