Ramanarayana Reddy likely to join YSRCP on July 8

Nellore: Finally, former minister and TDP leader Anam Ramanarayana Reddy decided to shift his loyalties to the opposition YSR Congress party. However, he is yet to announce his decision. Anam is holding a meet with his followers on June 20 and likely to clear his stance officially.

It is now viral on social media that he is joining the YSR Congress on July 8 in connection with birth anniversary of Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, but YSR Congress leaders have not confirmed the date of joining.

Ramanarayana is now meeting TDP leaders and his supporters across the district for collecting their opinion on shifting loyalties and also to obtain their support giving sleepless nights to the ruling party leaders.

There have been rumours doing rounds in political circles that Anam is inviting some of his crucial supporters in the district for shifting their loyalties.

He said the ruling party failed to recognise them and was neglecting their existence even though their family has been in politics for more than 8 decades.

“The date of joining is only a formality. The leader along with his followers will meet the YSRCP president and officially announce about his joining the party. But, how the shifting of loyalties impacts the ruling party in the district and how many leaders will follow him is crucial now.

We came to know that the ground is ready and will break the ice in a couple of days during preparatory meet on June 20,” said a YSR Congress leader maintaining anonymity.

Anam family is well known for their political strategies since the beginning and now Ramanarayana Reddy is also following the same trend without confirming what he is going to do giving no clues to the media and others on his decision.

He met leaders in Atmakur and also Sullurpet constituencies recently. It was said he has been explaining to them what difficulties he had faced with TDP leaders in the district after joining the party and how the party high-command failed to fulfil its promises.

He categorically stated that he is ready to contest in 2019 polls without naming the party which he is going to represent. As he is leaving the ruling TDP, there is no option except YSR Congress since his family members were allegedly exerting pressure on him to take the step.

Now, the ruling Telugu Desam leaders are focusing on damage control measures contacting people who are likely to take the same path due to internal displeasure.

Pellakuru Srinivasulu Reddy from Kovur, Vakati Narayana Reddy from Sullurpet and others are among the leaders who may get influenced by Ramanarayana Reddy.

So, ruling party leaders are now trying to pacify them assuring some posts or nominated posts to them following strict directions from the high command. Party national chief and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also severely warned the local leaders on their negligence and to prevent any such instances further.

“2019 elections are very crucial for the ruling party and the high command is also not tolerating such internal lapses that would lead to losing seats in the state amid tussle with the Centre. So, it is inevitable for local leaders to work to pacify the dissident leaders,” said a senior leader from the Telugu Desam.