No smooth entry into YSRCP likely for Dadi

- Konathala group strongly opposes his admission - Dadi also castigated by his loyalists in TDP - His entry would neither benefit YSRCP nor affect TDP anyway, say both groups - YSRCP leaders wonder how Konathala Ramakrishna would work with Dadi who called them 'thieves'

Anakapalle: Senior most Telugu Desam leader and former MLC Dadi Veerabhadra Rao had to face the brunt of a large number of his followers on Friday over his decision to quit the party. A meeting of TD workers called by him saw utter confusion and tempers run high. Having stood by him, they questioned why he had taken the unilateral decision without even consulting them.

Not only that, the day also unfolded the "bitter politics" that await him in YSR Congress should he decide to join it. Amidst reports of Dadi's 'Mulaqat' with YSRCP leader Jaganmohan Reddy at Chanchalguda Central Jail in Hyderabad on Saturday, the group of local YSRCP heavyweight Konathala Ramakrishna vehemently opposed his entry into the party.

Dadi and his son Ratnakar tried in vain to pacify the agitated TD workers and convince them about the conditions which forced him to leave the party. Contrary to his expectations, a large number of workers present accused him of being opportunistic.

Utter confusion broke out as the workers split into two groups, one opposing his decision, and the other, small in numbers, backing his move. "We had been carrying the party flags and banners for over 30 years along with you pinning high hopes of our elevation at any time in the party.

Contrary to that, as soon as the party high command denied MLC ticket for the second consecutive term, you came out unilaterally without even eliciting our opinion, which hurt us very deeply. You have done a wrong thing," was the refrain of the angry mob.

Later, addressing media persons, Dadi said that only a small number of his followers were present at the meeting. "We have to give time to others also to understand my predicament so a consensus would emerge," he said. He, however, made it clear that he would take a decision to join YSRCP only if a positive outcome emerges from his meeting with Jagan.

However, his reported move to enter YSRCP has not gone down well with the supporters of Konathala family, with whom he waged a long struggle. At an emergency meeting of party activists and leaders, YSRCP Coordinator Konathala Lakshminarayana clarified that "nobody is ready to accord a red carpet welcome to Dadi as he had earlier called our party 'a public limited company of thieves' many a time."

Lakshminarayana came down heavily on Dadi, asking if he had any minimum political culture and commitment in joining the very party which he riled as the Opposition leader in the Council till recently. "If the TDP had assured local MP seat to him and MLA seat to his son Ratnakar, Dadi would not have thought of defecting to YSRCP. Is it justifiable for a senior leader like Dadi to demand two posts for a single family," he criticised.

Several YSRCP leaders agreed with him in pointing out that there would be any gain for the YSRCP in inviting Dadi who was defeated in the Assembly elections during 2004 and 2009 and did not even secure deposits. They urged the party high command not to admit Dadi, saying it would affect the existing leaders.

Lakshminarayana also questioned how Dadi would be able to work with Konathala Ramakrishna who had been with the YSRCP since its inception. He also asked if Ramakrishna would agree to work with Dadi who always termed the party leaders as "thieves."

Among others at the meeting, Anakapalle Jaggery Market Committee Chairman M Kishore, RECS Chairman Challa Kanaka Rao and former Markfed chairman Gopalaraju also spoke.

Circumstances in TDP forced me to quit: Dadi Anakapalli (Visakhapatnam): Telugu Desam Party (TDP) senior leader and former Opposition leader in the AP Legislative Council Dadi Veerabhadra Rao, in his resignation letter addressed to party president N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday through e-mail, stated that the circumstances in the party have forced him and his family members to quit the party, for which he expressed regrets. He thanked the family members of Mr Naidu and party founder NTR for their support. Mr Rao said he would always be grateful to party founder NTR for the opportunity given to him to serve the public for 30 years.

Dadi to meet Jagan today Hyderabad: Dadi Veerabhadra Rao, who quit Telugu Desam Party (TDP) will meet YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president YS Jaganmohan Reddy at around 10 am at Chanchalguda jail on Saturday.A Talking to reporters on Friday, he ruled out joining the Congress. He, however, stated that a final call on joining YSRCongress Party would be taken only if positive thinks emerging from his meeting with Jagan.