Win polls or face axe: Jagan

CM asks ministers to ensure win in local body polls

Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday asked ministers to be prepared to submit resignation letters in the event of the ruling YSR Congress candidates faring badly in the ensuing local body polls in their respective constituencies.

Referring to the upcoming local body polls in the Cabinet meeting here on Wednesday, the Chief Minister categorically said that there would be no scope for influencing voters with money and liquor even if candidates belonged to the ruling party.

Police have been given free hand to curb electoral malpractices, he said.

The Cabinet decided to go ahead with the polls and not to exercise the option of challenging the High Court order, capping reservations at 50 per cent, in the Supreme Court.

Asked if the state government would file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court challenging the HC verdict, Perni

THE CM said that there would be no scope for influencing voters with money.

Venkataramaiah (Nani), I&PR minister, said that the Cabinet did not discuss the option at all.

“We are ready to hold polls,” he announced.

Sources said that the Chief Minister gave an ultimatum to ministers that they should win at least 50 per cent of seats in their respective constituencies or else should submit their resignation. “I see no reason why the party should not sweep the polls, but at the same time, overconfidence of ministers and MLAs might lead to adverse results,” Mr Reddy said.

The ministers, in-charge ministers of districts and local MLAs should work in tandem and sort out differences, if any, among themselves, he said.

The Cabinet also authorised the AP State Seed Development Corporation to raise a loan of `500 crore to ensure that farmers are supplied with adequate quantity of seed for the ensuing kharif season.