Ex-MLA Tynala Vijayakumar joins TDP

Visakhapatnam: With four-days left for the polling, the YSRCP faced a big jolt after the party senior leader and former MLA Tynala Vijayakumar resigned from the party and joined TDP in the city. Vijayakumar, who held several key positions in the party, has maintained close relations with the party heavy weights. In an unexpected move, Vijayakumar resigned from the party and joined TDP.

Vijayakumar, one of the noted advocate in the city, is elected as corporator in the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation and later joined Congress. He contested from Visakhapatnam North Assembly constituency in 2009 from Congress and won the elections. Later, he joined the YSRCP and strengthened it in the city. However, in the present elections the YSRCP denied ticket to him.

At present HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao is contesting from Visakhapatnam North Assembly constituency. Vijayakumar is having good relations with all people and has an influential vote bank of his own community in the segment. With Vijayakumar's entry, the TDP winning chances brightened in the North constituency.

Meanwhile, the Vijayakumar followers are in piquant situation and unable to digest the sudden development. Before leaving the party, generally the leaders would reveal their decision to the followers. However, Vijayakumar not even discussed about his decision with his cadre. Meanwhile the YSRCP leadership immediately swung into action and has taken damage control measures in the elections.

"It is a big surprise to the party. Since its inception, Vijayakumar worked to the party very sincerely and honestly. But, we do not know on what grounds he left the party. However, the cadre is not disturbed and still intact with the party," said a senior leader of YSRCP.