In a huge embarrassment to the YSR Congress, its MP-elect from Nandyal S. P. Y. Reddy defected to the Telugu Desam Party on Sunday causing ripples in political circles.
In another setback, Butta Neelakantham, husband of newly -lected YSRC MP from Kurnool ,Renuka, too joined the TDP. The couple, accompanied by TDP Rajya Sabha member C. M. Ramesh, met party chief N. Chandrababu Naidu at AP Bhavan in New Delhi, who cordially invited them into the party by presenting the yellow ‘kanduva’.
Indications are that Ms. Renuka may also cross over to the TDP.
Speculation is rife that after the YSR Congress failed to come to power, a section of the newly elected MPs and MLAs were making moves to join the TDP, which will form the government in Seemandhra.
YSRC is only a registered political party with the Election Commission of India and not recognised party. After its performance in the recent general elections, the party is hopeful of getting the recognised party status.
Interestingly, the present day poaching by TDP has a parallel to the efforts made by Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy in 2009. After winning the second term, YSR launched a drive to woo a majority of the TRS legislators to the Congress fold leading to friction with K. Chandrasekhar Rao.
Talking to reporters, Mr. S. P.Y. Reddy, chairman of Nandi group of companies, said he had taken the decision keeping in view the development of his region. “If I am disqualified, I will win with double the majority which I secured in the recent elections. I polled more votes than all the seven YSR Congress MLAs in my parliamentary constituency,” he said.
Mr. Reddy denied any differences with YSR Congress president Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy claiming that he in fact admired the young leader. Stating that the people who had voted for him may face some difficulties, Mr. Reddy said a majority of the voters would appreciate his move.
