Consolidating its newfound confidence thanks to the victory in Karnataka, the Congress is eyeing to retain power in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh now. Party vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who did a limited campaign in Karnataka, has prepared a strategy for AP based on lessons from Karnataka.

The strategy, according to insiders, is to (1) continue Kiran Reddy as chief minister but remove the state unit chief, (2) woo backward castes but ignore the Reddy community, and (3) bring the minorities back to the party fold – al this by December 2013.

Rahul on Wednesday discussed with his mother, Sonia Gandhi, the option of Kiran Reddy’s continuation. Later, Gulam Nabi Azad, the party’s observer for the state, had an hour-long meeting with Rahul, followed by one with the CM, who is in Delhi.

Meanwhile, the Congress high command has given up hopes of replicating its success in 2009 general elections and get many MPs elected from the state, a senior party MP from Andhra Pradesh said. Another MP from coastal Andhra said the Chiranjeevi factor is also not working well in the state, as the actor has failed to create much of a flutter after merging his Praja Rajyam Party with the Congress more than two years ago.

Sources said while removal of PCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana is almost certain, at the same time the continuance of tainted ministers will be crucial for Kiran Reddy, who is said to have lost his erstwhile clout with the party high command.