True to the apprehensions of TDP leader Kadiam Srihari and others, the YSRC may emerge as a force to reckon with even in Telangana in the days to come if the fast changing political situation is any indication.
Mr Srihari fears that if the YSR Congress gets strengthened, the separate Telangana movement would receive a jolt in the region. A good number of Congress leaders, who have been talking about separate Telangana, are contemplating joining the YSRC. This is because, the public perceives the Congress to be anti-Telangana due to its indecisiveness and the leaders fear that they may not get re-elected if they continue in the Congress. They also opine that the new party could support them economically to fight the election.
Increasing interest
A former Minister, a couple of MLAs and senior leaders who were close to the late Chief Minister, Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, are contemplating joining the party floated by his son.
A former District Congress Committee (DCC) president and KUDA Chairman, Ch. Srinivasa Reddy, recently took over the reins of the YSRC district unit and has been busy attracting activists and leaders of other parties.
More leaders from the Congress are reportedly evincing interest in joining the YSRC.
Dampens TRS morale
If a sizeable number of leaders leave the Congress, it could also dampen the morale of the TRS cadres.
Moreover, the people and cadres at the ground level seem to be pessimistic about the TRS’ claims about separate Telangana, though this factor is still imperceptible.
Entrants from TD too
Meanwhile, those who have been associated with the TDP for over a decade and who failed to get ‘recognition’ may also join the new party as election time draws close.
The narrow margin with which Konda Surekha lost her seat in the Parkal Assembly by-election has also given some confidence to leaders in other parties and they are beginning to have second thoughts about the fortunes of the YSRC in Telangana region.
