The rift between Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy and the over two dozen MLAs loyal to former MP Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy has widened after the former's remark asking them to resign their membership and seek re-election. Chief Minister rarely spoke against Mr. Jagan.

But, on Saturday, he said late Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy became the Chief Minister due to the backing of AICC president Sonia Gandhi and turned into stalwart at State and Centre. Party leaders were surprised at the timing of the statement and wondered whether he had the backing of the top leadership to take on Mr. Jagan head on.

Congress leaders did not approve of Mr. Kiran's statement, knowing very well the slender margin the government was surviving on. Former Minister Gade Venkat Reddy said the statement appeared hasty.

Published Date : Sunday, 23/1/2011 3:46 PM IST