Hyderabad:
Against the backdrop of demands made by some dissident party leaders, Congress has reiterated that there will be no change of guard in Andhra Pradesh.
"There will be absolutely no change of guard in near future. There is a leader of the legislature party; there is a Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President in place. And we have elections in 2014. We will go for elections under their leadership," All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary KB Krishna Murthy, who is also an in charge of party affairs in the state, told reporters.
Replying to a query, he said that indiscipline by party leaders would not be tolerated.
He was also asked about the statements made by some party MLAs and others favouring change of guard.
"Public statements are given by leaders sometimes which definitely violate party's disciplinary norms. Yesterday, I clearly said anybody going to the press unnecessarily without authorisation and creating any confusion is not acceptable. Anybody who does so in future shall be subjected to disciplinary procedures," he replied.
Krishna Murthy held talks with various party leaders including Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy and state Congress President Botsa Satyanarayana in the last two days.
He had asserted that criticism against the Chief Minister was not acceptable. Krishna Murthy said he would submit a report to the party leadership about his visit.
He said the ensuing by-polls to 17 assembly seats, necessitated due to the disqualification of Congress MLAs who switched loyalty to Kadapa MP YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, are uncalled for and waste of public money.