Byreddy Rajasekhara Reddy, who had quit the TDP and started a movement for separate Rayalaseema State was greatly disappointed as no TDP leader was following him.
The leaders, whom Byreddy expected to follow him, were mobbing party chief Chandrababu Naidu instead, during his ‘Vastunna Meekosam’ Padayatra in Anantapur district. None of the important leaders of the party were seen with Byreddy.
Byreddy, holding a high post of general secretary of the party, was hurt when Naidu ignored his demand of mentioning about the demand of Rayalaseema in his letter to the Prime Minister on the Telangana issue.
Only a few of his followers in the Nandikotkuru constituency of Kurnool district have resigned from the TDP and followed Byreddy, who had expected three TDP general secretaries too would quit the party along with him. His followers also had stated that top leaders of the party would be joining Byreddy’s Padayatra for Rayalaseema. Even Bichanna, who is TDP in-charge of the Nandikotkuru constituency, has declared that he would be following Naidu and not leaving the party.
Only second ranking leaders of TDP in the constituency have followed Byreddy. It is learnt that though some TDP leaders wanted to follow Byreddy, they have later stayed back, watching the developments. As there was a ground swell of support for Naidu in Anantapur district, TDP leaders of the neighboring Kurnool district have hesitated to leave the party, say sources. Some reportedly felt that they could take a decision on joining Byreddy after watching the result of his Padayatra for Rayalaseema State.
Kurnool district TDP president Somireddy Venkateswarlu has taken precautions to prevent party leaders from joining Byreddy. He has issued a statement well in advance preventing party leaders and cadres from joining Byreddy. However, on second day of his Yatra, a large number of TDP workers cheered and welcomed Byreddy in his own constituency. On the third day on Thursday, Byreddy would be touring Pamulapadu and Atmakur mandals where he wields influence.
Later he would tour Nandyal constituency. TDP leaders are just watching Byreddy and his nine-day Padayatra to take a decision. On Wednesday, Byreddy gave a call at Nandikotkur that any one desirous of separate Rayalaseema could join him. He said that he would not seek the support of any party as he felt that the Rayalaseema movement should be above politics, involving all the people of the region. (NSS)