The Congress Party, which had failed to make its presence in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly in 2014 polls, for the first time after formation of the state in 1953, is now on the verge of losing its identity in the Legislative Council also, within three months. After bifurcation of the state, it has emerged as a major political party in the Council, with over 21 members.
However, with desertion of many of its members to other parties – TDP and YSRCP, its strength started falling. Even the remaining members’ terms is also coming to end. As a result, after May, the party will be left with a single member T Ratna Bhai, a prominent ST leader.
Several party stalwarts include Council Chairman Dr A Chakrapani, leader of opposition C Ramachandraiah and senior party leader B Changalrayulu are among those completing their term. Many of them, who are retiring are reportedly trying their luck for re-nomination by joining hands with the ruling TDP.
According to political speculations, Chakrapani, who succeeded in keeping his Chairman position with the tactic support of TDP for the last two years, even after Congress losing its majority in the Council, is now said to be making moves to get re-nomination from Governor’s quota. He was earlier also nominated by the Governor, during Congress regime. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is also seen having sympathies towards him.
Changalrayulu also recently met Chief Minister seeking entry into the new party. However, TDP leaders from his Railway Kodur constituency in Kadapa district are opposing his entry. They have already conveyed their strong resentment to the party supremo Chandrababu Naidu.
Ramachandraiah, a former TDP MP and joined Congress via Praja Rajyam Party, is unlikely to continue in Congress after end of his term. He is said to be waiting for the political moves of Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan. If the film star enters into electoral politics in 2019 poll, he is most likely to join hands with him.
