This Article is From Apr 18, 2012

Vayalar Ravi meets Chiranjeevi to take stock of Congress in the state

Hyderabad: Union Minister Vayalar Ravi, who is currently on a visit to Andhra Pradesh to take stock of the prevailing situation in Congress in the wake of its sagging popularity, met actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi on Wednesday.

"Chiranjeevi is one of the top leaders of the Congress party. Not only in the state, his contribution to the national level also, we are taking to maximum possible (extent)," Mr Ravi told reporters after a breakfast meeting with Chiranjeevi, who has been elected to the Rajya Sabha recently.

Chiranjeevi's Praja Rajyam was merged with Congress recently and the Telugu mega star is likely to be made a Union Minister.

It was with Praja Rajyam's support that the Congress government in the state survived a Telegu Desam Party (TDP)-sponsored no-confidence motion which was supported by the Congress MLAs loyal to Kadapa MP YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Asked about the complaint of some erstwhile Praja Rajyam leaders having not given due recognition in Congress post-merger, Mr Ravi said that they are being accommodated and would be recognised in due course.

Mr Chiranjeevi, too, said that the merger from grass root level is a slow process which takes its time.

Replying to a query, Mr Ravi said that he did not discuss the selection of candidates for the ensuing by-polls with state leaders and it will be done in due process.

"The main criterion for selection of candidates is their capacity to win," he said. Mr Ravi began his mission of assessing the ground situation yesterday in the wake of sagging popularity of Congress in the state ahead of crucial by-elections to 18 Assembly and one Lok Sabha seat.

Mr Ravi, an old hand in the state affairs, held consultations with several ministers and other party leaders. Denying that there is lack of coordination between the Chief Minister and the state Congress President, he said that they are discharging their respective duties.

Mr Ravi, however, stressed that the party needs to be rejuvenated and strengthened from the grassroots level and geared up to face the coming by-polls.
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