CLP requests Sonia to select its leader

The state Congress-I Legislature Party (CLP), which met here on Friday for the first time after the death of former chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), unanimously adopted a resolution requesting Congress-I president, Sonia Gandhi, to select its leader.

The one-line resolution was moved by YSR's son and MP, Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. All the 150 MLAs, 49 MLCs and 29 MPs, who attended the meeting, adopted the resolution by raising their hand.

The meeting was presided by Andhra Pradesh Congress-I Committee president, D Srinivas. Union ministers, Pranab Mukherjee and Veerappa Moily, attended the meeting as AICC observers.

Pranab Mukherjee said the contents of the resolution would be conveyed to Sonia Gandhi. The CLP earlier condoled the death of YSR.

Chief minister, K Rosaiah, who was asked by the Congress high command to take over the reigns of the state soon after YSR's death, is expected to selected as the CLP leader, bringing down the curtains on the leadership drama.

Fearing trouble from loyalists of CM-aspirant Jagan Mohan Reddy, the ruling party has been reluctant to convene the customary meeting of the CLP.