VISAKHAPATNAM:On the advice of the high command, as the MLC elections have become a prestigious issue to the party, TDP heavyweight and minister Ch Ayyannapatrudu swung into action to bring round the party rebel candidate UV Ramana Murthy Raju (Kannababu) Tuesday. Ignoring his stature in the party, Ayyannapatrudu rushed to Kannababu’s residence at Seethammadhara and had a tete-a-tete.
However, during the talks Kannababu expressed resentment over the party’s U-turn in considering his candidature for the MLC elections. Sources said that Kannababu had expressed helplessness to withdraw from the fray and informed Ayyannapatrudu that the party had cheated him twice.
Before last year’s general elections, half a dozen Congress MLAs, including Kannababu, in the district joined the Telugu Desam Party. The current HRD minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao held discussions with TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu and got assurance that all of them would get party tickets.
But Kannababu was denied ticket for the Yelamanchili assembly seat. However, the party assured Kannababu that he would be nominated to the MLC seat which was also denied. The TDP high command opted for its senior leaders and former MPs MVVS Murthi and Pappala Chalapati Rao for the two MLC seats in the district. Hurt, Kannababu filed nomination papers for the MLC elections as an Independent on Monday.
Explaining the party’s compulsions and other issues, Ayyannapatrudu beseeched Kannababu to drop from the contest. Sources said that Ayyannapatrudu had promised a nominated post to Kannababu very soon. However, Kannababu, expressing his happiness at Ayyannapatrudu’s intervention, said he could not withdraw as he had already prepared to face the challenge. Kannababu also informed Ayyannapatrudu that he had already started campaigning and there were good chances for him in the elections.
Even after prolonged discussions, Ayyannapatrudu failed to bring Kannababu round and returned.
