The politics surrounding the possible change of guard is once again hogging the limelight in Andhra Pradesh.
Amid reports that the Congress high command may replace the defiant Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy to ensure smooth completion of the bifurcation process, the supporters of the Union Minister Kotla Suryaprakash Reddy have started claiming that their leader was offered the CM's post by the party high command.
Interestingly, the strongman from Kurnool was believed to have politely turned down the offer.
His camp is claiming that Kotla was not keen on occupying the CM's chair under such circumstances when the people of the Seemandhra region are angry and agitated over the UPA government's decision to split the state.
"It would amount to betrayal of the people's faith if he accepts the offer," Kotla's close aides claimed. Hence, he has declined the offer.
The Delhi bosses had tried to convince Kotla to take up the mantle in view of Kiran's continued defiance and non-cooperation. They had even assured him that they would handle the political fallout of the change of guard.
However, Kotla was not keen on taking up the responsibility at this juncture when the tempers are running high in Seemandhra.
Meanwhile, the AICC General Secretary in-charge of AP, Digvijay Singh, has warned the Chief Minister to fall in line on the issue of bifurcation or face the consequences.
However, Kiran is adamant and made it clear to the high command that he would not preside over the state's division under any circumstances.
