Venkataswamy says he would not criticise YSR

Hyderabad, May 14 (UNI) Congress Deputy Leader in Parliament G Venkataswamy today sought to make amends for his earlier attitude towards Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy saying he ''would never criticise him.'' Speaking at the re-dedication programme of the Congress at Lal Bahadur stadium on the occasion of the party completing three years in office, the former Union Minister said he had an impression that Dr Reddy was against the Telangana region and this was the reason why he had repeatedly criticised him. But, he had changed his opinion when the Chief Minister sanctioned the Pranahita project, benefitting the Telangana districts of Adilabad, Karimnagar, Medak, Warangal and Ranga Reddy, besides this city at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore.

Stating that though the State was progressing in an unprecedented manner, he urged Dr Reddy to further strengthen the Congress and develop the State.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and former Minister Uppunutala Purushothama Reddy, whose name was called at the programme, declined to speak and left the venue.

Mr Reddy, a former Minister, did not find a place even in the recent Cabinet expansion. He was offered Chairmanship of a Regional Development Board. Though he had initially accepted the post, he later declined the offer saying no funds were being provided to the Development Boards.

He, however, said he had no difference with anyone as such and was leaving the plenum because he had an urgent personal work.

UNI