In an interesting political development, the Chief Minister, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, for the first time drove down to the Banjara Hills residence of the Rajya Sabha member, Dr K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao, to meet him on Sunday afternoon. The two were closeted for more than an hour, sources said. Dr Ramachandra Rao had called on the Congress president, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, a few days ago, itself a significant development.

Sources said the Chief Minister and Dr Rao discussed the political situation in the state, particularly the situation in the Congress after the merger of the Praja Rajyam. The meeting was seen as the Chief Minister's attempt at striking a rapprochement with Dr Rao, the top aide of the then Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, and taking his advice on important political matters. Dr Rao's command over party MLAs cannot be just ignored, that too when some legislators have spoken out in support of Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy.

The meeting comes ahead of the state Congress leadership's proposed action against the rebel legislators. This could even result in byelections in some constituencies, and it is learnt that the chances of the party retaining the seats was on the meeting ageda. The impact of the Praja Rajyam's merger with the Congress and its likely impact on Congress leaders in the constituencies held by the PR legislators, selection criteria for the nominated posts to various government corporations were reportedly discussed.

Though speculation is rife that Dr Rao will be reinducted as adviser to the government, sources denied any such move. Dr Rao had resigned as adviser six months ago, but the Chief Minister has kept the matter on hold.