Mekapati to quit YSRCP?

​Nellore: Nellore MP and senior YSRCP leader Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy is likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party owing to the alleged indifferent attitude of the party high-command.

Rumours spread in 2014 itself indicated that Rajamohan Reddy would be changing the party but he had dispelled them saying that they were baseless and of speculative nature. But, recently, some BJP leaders are said to have contacted him and he had not refused their request.

Rajamohan Reddy, aged 70+, was not being treated in an appropriate way on par with other members of young team and he has been confining to his own business staying away from local political activities.

Rajamohan Reddy was elected member of the Lok Sabha from YSRCP in the 2014 general election. He won one time as MLA and 5 times as MP in 1989, 2004, 2009, 2012 (bypolls) and 2014 elections. He has close intimacy even with late chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy by virtue of his age and political capability.

“He is a senior leader and youngsters can only inform about the developments. How can we say that he was being ignored by local leaders? Party chief also respects him,” said a legislator denying chances for joining some other party.

When contacted. Nellore MP Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy categorically said they were speculations and said he would continue in the YSRCP only. He described them as baseless information being leaked by some saffron leaders for creating disturbances in the party.

In fact, the Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh are still two and a half years away, but the state’s main opposition – the YSR Congress Party is getting ready to finalize some political strategies involving experts to work out a plan to gain power in the 2019 elections.

The YSRCP has already started its preparations in Andhra Pradesh for the next assembly elections by launching a door-to-door campaign to expose the alleged failures of the Chandrababu Naidu government. They were following suggestions of a political advisor at national level who recommended a strong team of youngsters having winning chances who would identify issues and prepare a local plan of action for fighting against the ruling TD government.

Now, a common mantra of searching for youngsters and winning horses to play a crucial role in the coming 30 months has been a hidden agenda of the party where senior leaders were being unnoticed and this has been creating some heart burning issue.

Similarly, the BJP also has been scouting for efficient and senior leaders from other parties and as part of the efforts they had recently contacted the Nellore MP and requested him considering joining the party. It was said e ad not expressed any positive sign but has yet to announce his decision.

“Our people have placed their request before him and still has to say yes or no. Many senior leaders are keen on joining the party, but we won’t reveal it now as some senior BJP leaders of AP may oppose their entry,” said a saffron leader.