Its a long journey for Reddy, Naidu in Asom

Guwahati, Apr 5 (UNI) From the coast of Andhra Pradesh to the bank of Brahmaputra in Asom, it's a long journey undertaken by two political bigwigs of Andhra Pradesh.

The southern state's Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy is the Congress' answer to Asom Gana Parishad's(AGP) strategy to use Chandrababu Naidu, his predecessor, to woo voters in Asom.

''Everything went haywire in Andhra Pradesh when Mr Chandrababu Naidu of Telegu Desam Party was heading the previous government. The man who failed miserably to deliver in his own state is now campaigning for the AGP,'' said Mr Reddy, who has been roped in by the state Congress to hit the campaign trail of lower Asom's minority dominated areas in Barpeta district.

Talking to newsmen at the airport here, Mr Reddy, who campaigned for Congress at Jania and Barpeta constituencies, said, ''I have come here chasing Mr Naidu as there is need to expose that hollow man who is now campaigning for regionalism here.

''Vote for Congress for progress, secularism and protection of minorities. Congress will go for massive development of the state if voted to power to rule Asom for the next five years,'' Mr Reddy appealed to the voters.

He said regional parties like the AGP were not capable of putting a state on the fast track of development. ''Days of lawlessness and lack of development will return if the AGP comes back to power in Asom,'' he cautioned.

UNI XC PL KLC1543