Digvijay back on special task post-2014
HYDERABAD: The Congress organisational rejig and Monday's impending Union Cabinet reshuffle have had State party leaders fingers crossed. As of now, only two, Rajya Sabha members V Hanumantha Rao and Jesudasu Seelam, are said to be in the race for a Cabinet berth.
Eluru MP Kavuri Sambasiva Rao has been named permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee while G Sanjeeva Reddy, former MP and INTUC president, has been named special invitee.
But the most important development is Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad relinquishing the charge of State party affairs. In his place has come Rahul Gandhi's close aide Digvijay Singh.
Singh had looked after the State Congress in the past and was considered close to the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy. What this means for the State Congress is that Rahul will henceforth personally monitor its affairs in the run up to the elections next year.
Interestingly, Singh's anointment comes two days after Rahul's another close aide Madhusudhan Mistry exchanged notes with State Congress leaders.
The talk in Congress circles is that as Singh was once considered close to YSR, the AICC leadership has picked him keeping in mind the post-2014 scenario and probably, as a 'friendly gesture' to the YSRC.
But it may not be a cakewalk for Singh to lead the faction-ridden AP Congress against headwinds like Telangana and Jagan. Compared to Azad, his track record as party affairs incharge is moderate.
Though he had been Madhya Pradesh chief minister for 10 long years, he failed to propel his party back to power in that State and has ceded ground to the BJP.
Similarly, he was made incharge of Uttar Pradesh in February/March, 2012, but was relieved of the responsibility after the party's pathetic show in the Assembly elections.
Recalling all this, some Congress leaders felt Rahul may have picked Singh for a 'special task'. However, Singh's appointment is likely to distress PCC chief Botcha Satyanarayana, who is close to Azad and is enjoying dual posts, that of the State party head and Transport Minister.
Following Singh's appointment, some expect revamp of the PCC. Azad replacement is also seen as a move to placate the people of Telangana who have been unhappy with his recent statements on the state bifurcation issue.
News Posted: 17 June, 2013
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