Sacking of DL opens Pandora's Box

CM, former minister slugfest imminent

- What would be the next step of Dr DL Ravindra Reddy ? - Will he continue his tirade against Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy ? - Will he quit the party or continue in it? - He may take a decision after meeting his aides

Nagaraju

Kadapa: Sacking of Minister for Health Dr DL Ravindra has opened a Pandora's Box as sulking former minister may intensify his tirade against Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy with vengeance. The tussle between the Chief Minister and the former minister cost the latter dearer. Ravindra Reddy was elected six times as an MLA, while Kiran Kumar Reddy has become the Chief Minister directly without even becoming a minister.

Earlier, both of them were unhappy for not being inducted into the cabinet, but now situation has changed. However, the speculations were rife how Dr DL Ravindra Reddy, who was in foreign sojourn, would react to his sacking. A It may be recalled that Ravindra Reddy did not get a chance to become a minister during K Rosaiah's regime as the Cabinet was not expanded after untimely demise of the then Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. After N Kiran Kumar Reddy becoming the Chief Minister, Dr Ravindra used his influence with the high command became the Minister for Medical, Health and Family Welfare.

However, bad time has begun for Ravindra Reddy with the resignation of YS Jaganmohan Reddy, subsequently, notification was issued for bypolls. In which Dr Reddy was forced to contest from Kadapa parliamentary constituency 2011 though he was not interested.

It was rumoured that some leaders from Kadapa district, who are against Ravindra Reddy, reportedly told the Chief Minister to exert pressure on DL Ravindra Reddy through high command in order to reduce influence in the district by defeating him. The game plan worked, as the leaders, who promised to work for his victory, stayed aloof as a result he faced a humiliating defeat. It is learnt that Dr DL Ravindra Reddy nursed a grouse against the Chief Minister holding him responsible for entering the fray. The fight between the Minister and Chief Minister began since then and continued till date as Dr DL Ravindra Reddy despite being a Minister he used to flay the Chief Minister and various schemes launched by him.

At the same time, Kamalapuram MLA Veerasiva Reddy and former Proddatur ML|A Varadarajulu Reddy, who belong to the CM's camp, started lashing out at him. Hence, he became idle in the district. Notably, Dr DL Ravinra Reddy was furious as he assumed that CM was supporting his detractors and encouraging them to lambast him. A Similarly, he had differences with the Chief Minister in handing over of 108 service to GVK. Subsequently, Dr DL Ravindra Reddy has to forego important portfolio as he has adjust with health and family welfare. While important portfolio was given to Kondru Murali. The tiff between the duo continued as DL Ravindra Reddy continued his fight against the Chief Minister.

In the cooperative polls which were held in March, Veerasiva Reddy and Varadarajulu Reddy complained to the high command on functioning of DL Ravindra Reddy, and they also demanded his ouster from the Cabinet. A Meanwhile, unable to digest the tirade of Dr DL Ravindra Reddy, the Chief Minister tried his level best to sack him from the Cabinet but in vain. Dr DL Ravindra Reddy, who was in London tour, will be arriving on Monday, and immediately he will go to Mydukuru constituency and reportedly discuss with his group about his future plans.

On the other hand, it's interesting what step he would take once he arrives at his native district. According sources, he may join the YSRCP, but there are already enough leaders, who can contest from the YSRCP. So, it's a million dollar question whether the party would offer him a ticket or not. One more option before him is the TDP. If he feels that he would get importance in the TDP he may tilt towards that party.

On the other hand, if he continues in the Congress party, the Chief Minister may use his tactics to deny ticket to him in the next polls. But DL Ravindra tilt towards PCC chief Botcha Satyanaryana may get ticket with the help of Botcha. In this backdrop the war between the Chief Minister and DL Ravindra Reddy may intensify and they would fight for supremacy to gain one-upmanship.