New AP unit chief for Lok Satta

Hyderabad: Katari Srinivasa Rao was elected President of the Andhra Pradesh unit of Lok Satta on Wednesday. He won by a margin of 702 votes over his rival Kongara Gangadhara Rao. Lok Satta said an Independent Election Authority (IEA) conducted the election by secret ballot and declared the result at the end of counting. Speaking to The Hans India, Srinivasa Rao outlined his and the party's future goals. "We want to strengthen the party irrespective of whether elections are coming up or not in many parts of the State and we will be working collectively towards that. Apart from this, the new working committee of the party will also come up with strategies for the upcoming local body and assembly elections," he said. When asked about their agenda for the upcoming 2014 Assembly elections, he said that the party would be focusing on three major issues plaguing the State. "The situation of farmers and agriculture as a whole is in a very bad position in the State. So our focus this coming elections will be on these poor farmers. part from that we also hope to highlight the failure of the government in two other major sectors- education and health" he said. Appreciating the party's internal democracy, he said that youngsters who want to enter politics should consider joining Lok Satta Party. "Hard work is recognised and encouraged in this party," he said.