Jyothula Naveen takes over as in-charge ZP chief

Rambabu quits after completing three years

Home Minister N. Chinarajappa congratulating in-charge ZP Chairman Jyothula Naveen Kumar on Saturday.

Jyothula Naveen Kumar, son of Jaggampeta MLA Jyothula Nehru, assumed office as in-charge chairman of the East Godavari Zilla Parishad here on Saturday.

The post fell vacant following the resignation of Namana Rambabu after completing three years out of the five-year tenure.

Huge rally

Mr. Nehru had shifted his loyalties from the YSR Congress Party to the ruling Telugu Desam Party following reported assurance from the ruling party that he would be accommodated in the Cabinet expansion.

Since he was not given a post, Mr. Nehru reportedly insisted on the party to make his son Mr. Naveen Kumar, a ZPTC member, as chairman of the Zilla Parishad.

The subsequent developments prompted Mr. Rambabu to put in his papers.

Followers of Mr. Nehru took out a huge rally from Jaggampeta to the city to mark the swearing in ceremony.

The entire city was decorated with the party flags and life size flexis of both Mr. Nehru and Mr. Naveen Kumar.

Home Minister N. Chinarajappa, who was the chief guest of the ceremony, said Mr. Naveen Kumar would be made Zilla Parishad chairman once the notification was issued.

“For the time being, he will discharge duties as in-charge chairman,” he said, adding that it was a token of recognition from the party for the good work done by both Mr. Nehru and his son.

Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council Reddi Subrahmanyam, MLAs and MLCs from the ruling TDP turned up for the function.