Former Minister T.G. Venkatesh got his impending migration to TDP ratified by the supporters at a meeting here on Wednesday. Mr. Venkatesh is expected to meet TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu in the next two days and formally make re-entry to the party. He was the MLA of TDP during 1999-2004.
Addressing the crowded gathering at Mourya Inn, Mr. Venkatesh said he had invitation from the YSR Congress to contest as MP from Kurnool, Samaikyandhra party to be launched by Chief Minister and request to continue in the Congress party.
He explained that he could not continue in the Congress which divided Telugu-speaking people in a brazen manner and could not join Samaikyandhra party either. Samaikyandhra was a history now and by clinging to the sentiment, nothing could be achieved after the Parliament divided the State.
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Also, former Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy was not kind to him and turned down his request many times when he had approached him with a demand of nominated posts for minorities.
Mr. Venkatesh said he could not accept the offer of YSR Congress for MP seat as he wanted to confine to Kurnool Assembly and do the work silently. He said the TDP was not his preferred choice but the only option left. The supporters ratified his decision by clapping, thumping and whistling.
Earlier, Mr. Venkatesh accused the local leaders of various parties of targeting him on personal grounds. “Those who wanted to introduce “goonda raj” in Kurnool city would not get support in the city,” he said.
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Mr. Venkatesh promised minorities all support and protection saying he would go all out to protect the interests of minorities even if the BJP came to power at the centre. At the same time, he promised to continue his development agenda.