Not in the race for CM post :Kanna

Speculations were rife over the change of guard in Andhra Pradesh to ensure smooth completion of the bifurcation process and also to keep the prospects of Congress party in the coming general elections, intact.

Political circles are abuzz with the news that Agriculture Minister Kanna Lakshminarayana, is to replace N. Kiran Kumar Reddy as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, in case the latter refuses not to cooperate with bifurcation process. It was also speculated that Kanna was under consideration, as the High Command of Congress party was eyeing on the vote bank of the Kapu community, reportedly a larger group in the State. His recent meeting with Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, had triggered the speculation. Putting an end to rumour mills that worked overtime, Kanna, cleared the air stating that Sonia did not invite him, rather he took her appointment to explain the political situation brewing in the state.

“I don’t think there would be any change. However, I am not in CM’s race. The feelers were part of the conspiracy hatched against me,” he said.

He also said that he requested the Congress president to keep the state united but she made him clear that centre could not go back on it.

“When I sought justice for Seemandhra people, she directed me to meet the Group of Ministers to hear my case,” he added.