We will win upcoming polls despite defections, says AP Cong

Andhra Pradesh Congress today expressed confidence that though many of its leaders have quit the party recently, its prospects of winning the upcoming elections has not been harmed.
"Though many leaders left the party, we do not have dearth of candidates. Those who have no confidence and faith in people, have left the party, but the committed cadre and voters are still behind the party," AP Congress chief N Raghuveera Reddy told reporters here.
"Only corporate feudalists and selfish politicians left the party, not the real committed leaders," he alleged.
"Congress has a strong vote bank and it has not been harmed. Many second and third level cadres are ready to contest the elections," he said while speaking at a 'Meet the Press' event here.

On the finalisation of candidates for both Lok Sabha as well as Assembly polls, he said the final list would be announced in the first week of April.
The District Congress Committees have been asked to submit the names of probable candidates by March 29. These lists will later be scrutinised by the PCC before submitting to party's central election committee.

Targeting TRS President K Chandrasekhara Rao, Reddy said, "Rao is the most desperate after the bifurcation...He instigates the people of Telangana region against those from Seemandhra to get political benefits. He has been making false statements and charges."
Reddy alleged that Rao submitted a letter to the state Governor making a false charge that the previous government sanctioned funds for Dummagudem irrigation project only to divert water from Telangana region to Seemandhra.

"However, the truth is that the Cabinet had decided to release the funds for the development of the state and not to cheat the Telangana people," he said.
He said that Congress has launched a bus yatra in Seemandhra to boost the morale among the cadre.
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee's election campaign in-charge Chiranjeevi was also present on the occasion.