Jagan, his father encouraged defections, says Araku MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao

Amaravati: Araku YSRCP MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao, who joined TDP alleged that YSRCP chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy had himself encouraged defections when he revolted against the then Congress president Sonia Gandhi after his father’s death and wondered what moral authority he has to fault them for joining the TDP. 

Speaking to The Hans India on Saturday, Sarveswara Rao said Jaganmohan Reddy had never fought against the government on people’s issues but always fought for his own political and personal interests.  He reminded that YS Rajasekhar Reddy had also revolted against the Congress and established Reddy Congress with the support of defected leaders at that time, which was merged with Congress soon after.  The Araku MLA further said that YSR when he was Chief Minister had encouraged defections from TDP to Congress in the name of ‘Operation Akarsh’. He also recalled luring of TDP MPs by Rajasekhar Reddy during voting on Nuclear Bill during the first term of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. 

He accused Jaganmohan Reddy of never allowing the YSRCP MLAs to speak anything on public issues in Assembly and insisting that they attack Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. He said was only obsessed with becoming Chief Minister and think attacking Naidu, instead of working for the interests of people, was only way to the top post. Questioning the YSRCP chief as to why he was boycotting the Assembly, Sarveswara Rao said he was merely using the excuse of defection his MLAs to avoid the House while the real reason was he was unable to face Chandrababu Naidu on the floor of the House.