Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president D. Srinivas has refuted allegations of a nexus  between the ruling Congress and the Telugu Desam Party in the forth coming bye-elections to Kadapa Lok Sabha and Pulivendula Assembly seats.

Mr. Srinivas was critical of YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy for his reported claims that the forthcoming bypoll was a fight between AICC president Sonia Gandhi and late Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. "The statement exposes the bankruptcy of Mr. Jagan and the new party is trying to bank on YSR who was die-hard Congressman till his last breath," he said.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, the APCC president said entry of new political parties into the political arena was welcome. But the parties should approach the people with their ideologies instead of “misleading” them with their claims. YSR was a committed Congress leader who fulfilled all the promises made in the manifesto of 2004 elections and worked tirelessly for strengthening Ms. Gandhi's leadership.

The bypoll is set to witness a triangular contest as three contenders, the Congress, the TDP and the YSR Congress Party, are in the fray. The Congress had no “tacit understanding” with the TDP which continues to be its main rival. Replying to queries on charges of corruption levelled by a section of Congress leaders against the late Chief Minister, he said the party recognised the services of YSR and the views expressed by a section of leaders was their individual opinion. He said the names of the party candidates for the two seats would be finalised shortly.