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In the wake of some Congress members commenting that they would not spare even Congress president Sonia Gandhi if government schemes are not properly implemented, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Sunday urged partymen not to violate party discipline.
"There is no problem if I am the object of their criticism. If it goes to the extent of saying that we will not spare Sonia Gandhiji and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, it is very sad. My appeal to all such friends is that party discipline should be protected," he told reporters.
"We have a great and unique leadership in the form of Sonia Gandhiji and Manmohan Singh. We should respect our leadership. If there is any problem, we can discuss that in party fora," he said.
Rosaiah's directive to the partymen came in the wake of three Congress Members of Legislative Assembly from Kadapa district, all considered loyalists of late CM Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, saying on Saturday that they have a right to point out even if Sonia Gandhi or Manmohan Singh errs.
"We have the right to point out if Sonia Gandhi or Dr Manmohan Singh errs. At the same time, they also have the freedom to tell us if we do something wrong," Adinarayana Reddy, Congress legislator from Jammalamadugu, said.
They were reacting to the remarks made by senior Congress MLA J C Diwakar Reddy and others that there is a need to take a relook at various welfare schemes like loans at three per cent interest rate and students' fees reimbursement, launched by the late CM, in view of the huge costs involved.
Rosaiah replied in the negative when asked if he would complain to Gandhi during his visit to Delhi.
Replying to a query, he said the government is committed to implementing all the welfare schemes though there are financial difficulties involved.