Prez rule in AP? CM, Chiranjeevi meet Governor

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy and Praja Rajyam Party chief K Chiranjeevi on Thursday met Governor E S L Narasimhan separately, amidst the speculation that the state is heading for President's rule.

The chief minister met the Governor earlier in the day at the Raj Bhawan, where it is said that they discussed the latest political situation in the state during the 10-minute meeting.

The CM's office, however, said it was just a 'courtesy call' by Reddy.

However, their meeting assumes significance as there was talk of imposition of President's rule in the state with about two dozen Congress MLAs openly supporting rebel leader Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. Besides, the turmoil over Telangana is also being cited as a reason for imposition of the central rule.

Later, PRP president Chiranjeevi met the Governor on Thursday evening. His party's support to Congress becomes essential in the event of the rebel MLAs walking away from the ruling party.

However, Chiranjeevi is not in a comfortable position as two of his 18 MLAs have also sided with Jagan, while speculation is rife that a few more may follow suit.

"I met the Governor only to convey my greetings on the eve of Sankranti festival. There is no political significance to our meeting," Chiranjeevi said after the meeting.

Chiranjeevi, however, said Governor Narasimhan expressed happiness that the state remained peaceful after the submission of report by Justice Srikrishna Committee on the statehood issue.

"There was apprehension about unrest in the state after the submission of the committee report. But there is no such thing. The Governor expressed happiness over this."

The actor-turned politician said his party would support the Congress government in case it fell short of majority.

"We will definitely support the government. That is only in public interest and nothing else," he maintained.

On initiating disciplinary action against the two PRP MLAs who took part in the one-day hunger-strike by Jagan in New Delhi recently, Chiranjeevi said the party leadership discussed the issue and would take a decision in a couple of days on issuing a show-cause notice to the duo.