A major meeting of the Congress party in the State with AP Congress Committee N. Raghuveera Reddy participating took hope from the performance in Gujarat elections in which Rahul Gandhicampaigned and described it as a turnaround for Congress. The meeting of Congress workers of North Coastal districts on Tuesday, organised to mark the 85th birth anniversary of Dronamraju Satyanarayana, affirmed its confidence in the leadership of Mr. Gandhi
Mr. Raghuveera Reddy said Mr. Gandhi would now lead the party to victories in the subsequent Assembly elections and in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Mr. Gandhi took over at the helm of the Congress when it was facing challenging times with not being in power in several States. “But in Gujarat the Congress has improved considerably from 2014 Lok Sabha elections when it had not won majority in any of the Assembly constituency. Now it was victorious in 80 Assembly seats,” Mr. Raghuveera Reddy said.
He paid glowing tributes to the late Satyanarayana and recalled how his legal battle led to the downfall of the TDP government. With his political acumen he advised several Chief Ministers and stood by the party. From a humble ‘karanam’ and sarpanch he became MP and ZP Chairman, he recalled.
Former TTD Chairman Kanumuri Bapi Raju described Rahul Gandhi as large-hearted citing his declaration that he would show love and affection towards BJP supporters.
Son of Satyanarayana and former Government Whip Srinivasa Rao said he would carry the Congress flag till the end and remain loyal to the Nehru family. Responding to Mr. Bapiraju’s suggestion that they should get along well and work together, he called former minister P. Balaraju his younger brother.
Former Minister P. Balaraju said while several sections were reeling under the rule of the BJP, the Prime Minister campaigned like a State leader in Gujarat and took the name of Pakistan too. Gujarat results were a morale booster. Former Union minister Killi Krupa Rani recalled the sacrifices of the family and termed the fifth generation, Rahul Gandhi leadership as a new era that would infuse confidence among youth. The leadership he provided in Gujarat was an answer to his critics.
The meeting passed a total of 13 resolutions including on special package for North Andhra, Railway Zone and Girijan University.
Former Minister Kondru Muralimohan, former MLC P. Viswa Prasad and Vizianagaram DCC president Yedla Adiraju spoke.
City Congress President Behera Bhaskara Rao presided.
