AP CM denies seeking donation from peace preacher

Hyderabad, June 8 (UNI) Denying peace preacher K A Paul's charge that he had sought Rs 20 crore as donation for the Congress in 2003, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy dubbed the former as having close connections with his predecessor N Chandrababu Naidu.

Admitting that he had sought appointment with Congress President Sonia Gandhi for visiting the orphanage of Paul in Sadashivpet in neighbouring Medak district early this year, he told reporters here that he could not be held responsible if Ms Gandhi did not evince interest.

Earlier in the day, the preacher told reporters here that he had asked Dr Reddy himself to visit the USA for arranging donations from his wealthy followers. But Dr Reddy did not respond.

Dismissing the charge as ''baseless and wild allegations'', Dr Reddy maintained that he had not sought donation from anyone, including Paul. If he persisted with his charge, legal action would be initiated against him, he added.

Dr Reddy also dismissed as ''ridiculous'' Paul's claim that he had issued a threat to his life and that he would hold only Dr Reddy and Ms Gandhi responsible if anything happened to him.

UNI