Komati Rajagopal Reddy faces supporters' ire

LB Nagar: Utter confusion prevailed at a meeting of Congress party activists who are supporters of Munugodu MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy at a function hall in Peddamberpet after they opposed his changing the party and raised "Congress Zindabad" and "Jai Jai Congress" slogans.

The activists shocked Reddy by saying that they are opposed to his move to change the party for his 'selfish motive' and that they won't defect along with him and staged a walkout. This was an unforeseen development. Among those who walked out were Choutuppal MPP Venkat Reddy. They contended that some leaders were misleading Rajagopal Reddy. The meeting assumed importance in the context of Reddy's reported move to join BJP.

Reddy told the meeting that he would decided on his future course of action depending on the opinion of his supporters and after holding discussions with them as also the people of his constituency. He stated that some youngsters were feeling inconvenienced because of his change of party.

The MLA alleged that Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao was keen that there should be no Opposition, He contended that KCR had 'purchased Congress MLAs with illegally acquired money. KCR won the election thanks to money and liquor power'. He claimed that the Congress party was not taking proper decisions and that people were urging him to fight against KCR and that his decision would be hailed in the ensuing elections.

The MLA clarified that he was not contemplating a change of party for financial gain. He alleged that the Congress leaders have 'reached a secret understanding with a real estate tycoon close to the ruling party. He stated that his brother K Venkat Reddy, MP, had indicated his personal opinion on his political future.

Reddy observed that BJP was picking up in the country and moving ahead with a nationalist outlook, while asserting that he had neither invited anyone nor telephoned anyone, barring MLA Jagga Reddy. The MLA claimed that Jagga Reddy praises and criticises KCR at the same time and seeks party president's post. Keeping this in view he had asked Jagga Reddy what was his stand, but 'I did not invite him to come with me.