Dharmana in, Botsa keeps off

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Dec 17, 2012: Putting an end to speculations about his standing in the government, Dharmana Prasada Rao took part in the Chief Minister's Indiramma Bata as minister in charge of the district. However, the absence of PCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana who belongs to neighbouring Viziangaram district, and controversial Yelamanchali MLA Kannababu, who is facing charges of graft, raised many eyebrows.

It is learnt that the CM advanced his Indiramma Baata schedule much against the wishes of the PCC chief who did not want the programme in Vizag to be held just a day after the PCC state-level meeting in Hyderabad on Sunday.

He wanted the Indiram

ma Baata in Vizag to be held according to the earlier schedule on December 25, 26, 27 so that party workers and other leaders from Vizag could attend the PCC state-level meeting in Hyderabad in large numbers.

Except tribal welfare minister P. Balaraju, no leader or party worker from Vizag took part in the Hyderabad meeting. Even Ganta Srinivasa Rao and

Government Whip Dronamraju Srinivasa Rao remained in Vizag on Sunday to oversee arrangements for the CM’s programme.

A Botsa loyalist said by not sticking to the earlier schedule, the CM was only widening the rift between the two key leaders.

Even minister Kondru Murali, of Srikakulam took part in some of the CM’s programmes.