Two former TDP leaders, who are now YSRCP MLAs, have said that they had warned N. Chandrababu Naidu against resorting to “politically immoral and unethical poaching” of the 23 opposition party MLAs into the party fold.
“In the 2014 elections, turning down an offer by YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, I chose to contest on TDP ticket, and I regret my decision,” said Giddalur MLA Anna Rambabu.
Speaking during Zero Hour in the Assembly, an opportunity provided by the Chair on the last day of the session to highlight public issues in their respective constituencies, the MLA slammed Mr. Naidu for “violation of constitutional norms.” Mr. Rambabu said his attempt to dissuade him was brushed aside by the TDP chief by stating “you are new to politics.”
Mr. Rambabu said he rebelled against his other decisions too and was also warned by other TDP leaders that it would not fetch him anything as he was pitted against a “very powerful force.” Mr. Rambabu had quit the TDP in 2017.
Alleging large-scale corruption in the TDP rule, he said there were irregularities in the issue of Aaadhar card and Janmabhoomi committees, besides total breakdown of law and order.
Debts increased from ₹99,000 crore to ₹3.5 lakh crores during the TPD rule, he said. The MLA further said it was not possible for the members to remain silent spectators to the “reign of anarchy” unleashed by the former Chief Minister, and demanded that Mr. Naidu quit politics. “Let him leave politics, and I promise that I’ll also resign to my post,” he said.
Silpa joins chorus
YSRCP MLA from Srisailam Silpa Chakrapani Reddy, who was also with the TDP earlier, said his attempt to persuade Mr. Naidu to not go ahead with the “purchase of YSRCP MLAs” did not yield result. Mr. Reddy also raised issues of water problem at Sunnipenta village under Srisailam mandal. He said the village was established in 1964 and had a population of 35,000. He thanked Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy for solving a 35-year-old problem in just 15 days by heeding to his plea of upgrading the village into a village panchayat.
