At the crack of the dawn on Tuesday, several MLAs were shocked to learn from a section of media that they were switching loyalties in search of greener pastures.
Of them, TDP’s Payyavula Kesav, who represents Uravakonda of Anantapur district in the Assembly, seems to have been shaken out of wits.
He broke down while dismissing the reports as baseless.
A report published in a vernacular daily that he is bidding adieu to the TDP and joining the YSR Congress has made him go through the hoops.
Stating that it was a conspiracy hatched to discredit him, Payyavula said he will never even dream of leaving the TDP.
“I was given political life by TDP founder NT Rama Rao. How can I betray that trust?” he questioned. The report, a total lie, had hurt him immensely, he said. “I respect media and freedom of press, but would it not be proper to seek a clarification from the party or person, against whom it is being written?” he asked.
The TDP MLA accused the YSR Congress of indulging in mind games with a clearcut political strategy. He challenged YSRCP leaders to take an oath in Kanipakam temple to prove they had not conspired against him.
“I had fought against YS Rajasekhara Reddy and now I will fight against his son YS Jagan Mohan Reddy,” he said.
Not Leaving Congress: Jaganna dham
Nagarkurnool Congress MP Manda Jagannadham had to clarify that he was not leaving the party. He was reacting to reports that he might serve YSR Congress in future. “These reports are based on rumours circulated by my rivals,” he said.
No Intention to Join YSRC:
Malkajgiri MLA Malkajgiri Congress MLA Akula Rajender rushed to the CLP with a statement denying reports of his intentions to join the YSR Congress. He said though he admires YSR, he does not want to leave the Congress. “I will stay in Congress and work for the fulfilment of YSR’s objectives,” he said.
‘Why Should I leave Congress?’
Congress MLA from Wardhannapet (Warangal district) Kondeti Sridhar denied reports that he would be joining the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS). “The report that had come in a TV is mischieous. Why should I leave a national party and join the TRS. I will stay in Congress and fight for Telangana,” he said.