Chittor, February 13: As expected several PRP leaders are now joining the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) following the PRP’s merger with the Congress.
Former MLA Chintala Ramachandra Reddy, who was in the PRP till its merger with the Congress, joined the TDP in the presence of party chief N Chandrababu Naidu in Madanapalle today.
Reddy unsuccessfully contested on the PRP ticket in Piler against N Kiran Kumar Reddy, the Chief Minister.
Ramachandra Reddy was a former TDP MLA and also worked as TTD trust board member. He stood in the second place in 2009 elections ahead of TDP candidate Imthiaz who was relegated to the third spot.
Following the return of Reddy into the TDP, Imthiaz has distanced himself from the party programmes. Another TDP leader from the same segment, GV Srinatha Reddy, is now moving closer to Kiran Kumar Reddy.
Meanwhile, in Rajahmundry, PRP leader Jyothula Nehru, a former TDP legislator, is expecting an invitation from the TDP. He is looking forward to some TD top leader coming to Jaggampeta to invite him into the party.
Otherwise, he is prepared to remain an independent.
At a meeting with his followers in his native Irripaka village last night, some followers were learnt to have suggested that he should consider joining YS Jagan’s party. Sources also said that some Congress leaders had contacted Nehru and offered an MLC seat.
Meanwhile, another leader Thota Trimurthulu, who lost from Ramachandrapuram Assembly constituency on the PRP ticket, is in a dilemma whether to return to TDP or to look towards another party.
–Agencies