Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy denies plans to launch a new political party

Hyderabad: Even as his move of wresting away the crucial legislative affairs portfolio demonstrated yet another streak of defiance against the Congress high command, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy denied any plans to float a new political party.

Reddy, who has openly revolted against the party high command over the issue of bifurcation of the state and continues to put up resistance, told a press conference in Hyderabad Wednesday that he had no plans to float a new party ahead of general elections. “I have no such thoughts”, quipped the Chief Minister when reporters asked him about reports in the media about his political future plans.

Kiran Kumar Reddy, who time and again questioned the wisdom of the Congress Working Committee and the union cabinet passing resolutions in support of Telangana state and deciding to divide the state, said that he was critical of decision on Telangana and was not defying the party.

He claimed that he was receiving a large number of representations from the people of Telangana against the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. “People of Telangana region are also seeking a united state”, he said.

Chief Minister said his focus was completely on the forthcoming debate in the state assembly and council on the draft state reorganization bill 2013 as it will bring out the pros and cons of bifurcation for both the regions. “We can deliberate in detail on the losses and gains to each region in case the state is bifurcated”, he said.