Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy tonight took potshots at AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh, and mocked his continued claims that they would look into all issues (of concern) being raised by the anti-bifurcation protagonists.
"What he (Digvijay) says is a political statement. He is not a permanent general secretary of the Congress," Kiran Kumar said at a press conference here tonight.
Asked about the ongoing verbal war between him and Digvijay over the bifurcation issue, the Chief Minister quipped: "There is no fire and there is no ceasefire.
On Digvijay's statement that Kiran was Chief Minister of "Samaikya" (united) Andhra Pradesh, the latter said: "Yes, I am the Chief Minister of Samaikya Andhra Pradesh. This makes me more enthusiastic to fight for keeping the state united."
Kiran, however, hastened to add that he had "greatest respect" for Digvijay who "is our leader".
Asked where his loyalties lay in the wake of Congress's resolve to divide the state, the Chief Minister said: "My commitment to Congress is 100 per cent. My commitment to united AP is 100 per cent. But I wish the situation should not arise where I have to make a choice between Congress and united AP.
"A mistake (decision to divide the state) is happening, but I am not party to it," he said.
Asked about the speculation that he might float a new party in case the state got divided, Kiran said, "My only concern as Chief Minister is to safeguard the future of the Telugu people. My political future is not important as I am already the Chief Minister. I am ready to sacrifice the post for the sake of united AP.
