N Chandrababu Naidu asks Galla Jayadev to quit APOA

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asked Guntur MP Galla Jayadev to quit the organising body of the Andhra Pradesh Olympic Association (APOA). The direction comes after the state lost the opportunity to host the National Games in 2018 due to group politics in APOA. The state Olympic body is split into two group — one headed by Telugu Desam Rajya Sabha MP C.M. Ramesh and another head by Mr Galla. The dispute is currently pending with a  court for adjudication.

While Mr Ramesh has already withdrawn from the APOA, Mr Galla did not as the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has recognised his group. The Sports Authority of AP (SAAP), however, refused to recognise either of the groups as the matter is sub judice. Though IOA had conveyed to the SAAP that the bid for hosting the National Games need to be made by the state association only, the then SAAP vice-chairperson and MD G. Rekha Rani did not take a call on recognising the Galla group as the issue was pending in the court.

With the group clashes marring the state’s chances, the Chief Minister had directed both MPs to withdraw themselves from the sports associations. While Mr Ramesh had immediately stepped down from the association, Mr Galla didn’t do the same till now. Mr Naidu, however, said that Mr Galla had also been asked to withdraw from the olympic  group.