Finally, all roads led to Vijayawada. Allagadda MLA Akhila Priya, her father and Nandyala MLA Bhuma Nagireddy, Jammalamadugu MLA C Adinarayana Reddy, Vijawayawada West MLA Jaleel Khan called on Naidu and accepted the yellow Kanduva ” in the interest of people of the state” late Monday night. Along with Adinarayanareddy, his brother and MLC Narayana Reddy also joined the party.
The followers of these leaders who were asked to reach the temporary capital electrified the moment with slogans while the rival groups from their constituencies sulked.
All the five, four Opposition YSRC MLAs and one MLC, crossed over to the ruling Telugu Desam Party as their party president Jaganmohan Reddy chose to go to Delhi to put pressure on the centre for ” special status”. Jagan expected the drama to be staged by evening and did not want to be present in the state and watch the revolt in the party.
Telugu Desam sources feel the politically significant development will embolden other enthusiasts from YSRCP, who want to strengthen the hands of chief minister Naidu, to join the ruling party. Government Chief Whip Kalava Srinivasulu hoped that about 20 to 25 MLAs are likely to quit the YSRC. He was not sure when they would join.
While Naidu was busy with collectors’ conference, entire show is said to have been directed by his heir apparent and party national general secretary Nara Lokesh Babu.
The new MLAs reportedly promised to bring more “leaders” to TDP in order to ensure that there was no “disruptive opposition” to the programs of chief minister Naidu.
