AP bypoll no referendum for separate Telangana: Congress

Hyderabad, Apr 19 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President D Srinivas today said the bypoll in 16 assembly constituencies and four Lok Sabha seats, scheduled for May 29, in Telangana region would not be a referendum for the statehood of Telangana and the performance of the Chief Minister Rajasekhara Reddy's Government.

Talking to newspersons here, he said the party would give priority to development programmes like 'INDIRAMMA' housing, pension schemes, Rs two per Kg rice scheme and 'Jalayagnam; in the election campaign. Besides, the Congress would also respect the sentiments of the people, who were yearning for separate Telangana, he added.

Stating that the Congress would strive for victory in the ensuing elections, Mr Srinivas said a list of candidates would be announced before the issue of notification for nominations on May five.

The PCC Chief said he would discuss the party's election strategy and the selection of candidates with the High-Command in New Delhi tomorrow.

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