Rumour mill puts Babu to trouble

The rumour mill worked over time on Wednesday in Hyderabad. The rumour was that Telangana leaders in the Telugu Desam were holding a secret conclave to decide their future course of action. The rumours spread like wild fire and newspaper offices were flooded with calls from anxious readers.

According to sources, Telugu Desam supremo N Chandrababu Naidu was first shocked at the "news" that a group of his partymen were holding a secret meeting without his knowledge, and that too on the controversial and sensitive issue of Telangana. But Chandrababu Naidu later appeared to a highly relieved man once it became clear that the "news" was no news but a pure rumour being circulated by some vested interests.

Chandrababu Naidu, to ensure that there's no T-talk in the party, has convened a meeting of senior leaders from all the three region on the pretext of holding a review of the arrangements for the proposed BC Garjana scheduled for January 23. Telangana protege T Devendar Goud and north coastal Andhra leader Yanamala Ramakrishnudu were also present. These two leaders created ripples in the Telugu Desam causing anxious moments for Chandrababu Naidu. In fact, Chandrababu Naidu had to spent several sleepless nights as the Telangana talk in the party gained momentum and things appeared going out of hand. But Dame Luck smiled on the TD chief and everything settled down for the time being. But Wednesday's rumours will continue to haunt the TD supremo for many days to come and he will have to keep a tab on the movements of his party leaders, particularly from the backward Telangana region.