YCP MP Meets Chandrababu?

Elections are round the corner and all political parties in Andhra Pradesh are busy chalking out strategies and streamlining campaign programmes. Elected representatives have also swung into action and are weighing options whether to stick to their parties or switch loyalties.

In Nellore, sources said that MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy is planning to quit the YCP. Recently, he met the TDP supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu.

According to information, YCP boss and Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had asked Vemireddy to contest as a Lok Sabha MP from Nellore constituency. Vemireddy also agreed to the proposal but with a rider. He reportedly asked Jagan to change the MLAs of Nellore City, Kavali and Udayagiri as they were facing a lot of opposition and resentment from the public and Jagan did not accede to this condition. Vemireddy tried to explain to him that non-removal of incumbents from the three places would have an impact on his victory as an MP from Nellore constituency but Jagan reportedly remained obstinate.

The difference in opinion led to second thoughts in Vemireddy following which he got in touch with Chandrababu Naidu, who reportedly accepted to the former’s demand for giving the TDP ticket to him as an MP. If everything goes as per the plan, Vemireddy would give a Sankranti gift to Jagan by quitting the party.

However, if Vemireddy joins the TDP ranks the political equations in the constituency would witness a major shift. Vemireddy has a huge base of supporters and he is also deep-pocketed. Vemireddy’s entry into the TDP would be a major loss to the YCP, say political observers.

It is not yet known if Jagan was obstinate or Vemireddy remained adamant.