Chirala: TDP MLA Karanam Balaram joins YSRCP along with his son

Chirala (Prakasam district): Chirala MLA and TDP senior leader Karanam Balaram Krishnamurthy on Thursday switched his loyalty and joined the ruling YSRCP along with his son Karanam Venkatesh, former minister Paleti Ramarao and other local leaders like Janjanam Srinivasa Rao in the presence of party president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and Minister for Energy and Science and Technology Balineni Srinivasa Reddy on Thursday at Tadepalli.

While starting to Vijayawada to meet the Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday afternoon, Karanam Balaram announced that he was joining the ruling party. But by the time he met the YSRCP president, he changed his mind and wanted to support the government from outside to keep his MLA position intact.

At Chirala, he said that people from all castes and religions irrespective of their party affiliations supported him in 2019 elections and gave a good majority. In order to work as per the aspirations of the people and supporters and develop the constituency, Karanam Balaram observed that he would require cooperation from the government.

After joining the YSRCP, Karanam Venkatesh said that they joined the party fold under the guidance of Minister Balineni Srinivasa Reddy, who is like a family member for nearly 20 years.

He announced that the Karanam family along with Paleti Ramarao, Pothula Suneetha and others would strive for the development of the Chirala constituency.

Venkatesh said that they follow the orders of the party president and see all poor people receive the benefits under various welfare programmes, so that the YSRCP wins with a thumping majority in 2024 elections in Chirala.

Minister Balineni Srinivasa Reddy announced that though Balaram was a close aide and supporter of Chandrababu Naidu, the former chief minister has neglected him. Balineni said the newly joined leaders will work together with the leaders in Chirala.

MLC Pothula Suneetha also announced to work in tandem with the Karanam Balaram and Venkatesh and bring YSRCP into power in 2024 elections.

Responding to the speculation that Pothula Suneetha, Karanam Venkatesh and others joined YSRCP to checkmate him, former MLA Amanchi Krishnamohan said that there was no chance of forming groups in YSRCP like the TDP.

He said that he left the TDP as it is like an illegal business firm and he didn't like the working atmosphere there. Amanchi said that he was not following the other leaders in Chirala but others were following him. He announced that Jagan Mohan Reddy will not invite any person to damage his future.