Former minister Komatireddy Venkata Reddy who frequently lashes out at the Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy for standing in the way of Telangana, surprised every one by traveling in the latter’s vehicle.
Komatireddy and MP Gutha Sukhender Reddy went to the Chief Minister’s camp office on Monday morning, they later traveled in the Chief Minister’s convoy to the secretariat along with Kiran Kumar Reddy. While Kiran occupied the front seat of the vehicle, Komatireddy sat in the rear seat.
Komatireddy was very close to the late Chief Minister Dr. Y S Rajasekhara Reddy. He used to express anger at Kiran Reddy and talk positively towards Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. There was talk that he and his brother and MP Rajagopal Reddy would join the YSR Congress.
Komatireddy resigned to his minister’s post, in favour of Telangana. Though he said it was for Telangana, his opponents said it was part of his plan to join the Jagan bandwagon. But when Jagan’s party did not take a definite stand on the Telangana issue in the all-party meeting, it was said Komatireddy was planning to join the TRS. The brothers also gave several indications that they might join the TRS. Now Komatireddy and Gutha surprised many by traveling with the Chief Minister as both were serious critics of Kiran. They said several times in the past that it was Kiran who was obstructing the Telangana process.
After his meeting with the Chief Minister, Komatireddy talked to the media. He said he talked about Srisailam tunnel works and funds due to his district, with the Chief Minister. He said despite their differences, the election of the DCCB chairman would be unanimous. He said a decision was already taken on the election and parried questions on the name of the person chosen. He said he would announce the name later. He said if they have differences they would settle them outside and not in the elections. (NSS)