The chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy is scheduled to leave for Delhi on Monday. CM is reportedly going to meet the high command for discussing the matters pertaining to by-polls. The sources close to AICC have also said that the chief minister would also discuss on deciding the candidates for the by-polls for 18 constituencies—17 assembly and one Lok Sabha. He is also likely to put before the party, the ideas, plans and strategy of the state Congress in by-polls. The chief minister Kiran Kumar will presumably present a report to the high command over the same.

On the other hand, there are speculations that the high command is apparently calling Kiran Kumar Reddy for telling him that he should step down as the chief minister of the state in case the party fails to draw at least a couple of seats in by-polls. Earlier, Renuka Chowdhary has exuded confidence that Congress would emerge victorious and ruled out the news that a change in the leadership would take place.

All in all, it appears like the chief minister will have to apparently face a tough time from the party high command in case if Congress fall flat at the ballot box. (Phani)