The Cat On The Wall In AP Politics?

Former MLA Jaleel Khan is heating up politics in Vijayawada West constituency in his characteristic style. He aspired for the TDP ticket in view of the upcoming polls but the party has allocated the seat to the Jana Sena, as part of seat sharing with the latter.

Though still maintaining allegiance with the TDP, he is sulking and is exhibiting his resentment in different ways. He even told his supporters that he would hang himself to death, if he is not given the ticket as the minorities are still supporting him. He tried to threaten the TDP leadership by issuing the statement.

Following directives from TDP boss N. Chandrababu Naidu, Vijayawada MP candidate Kesineni Chinni tried to appease Khan.

Just a couple of days ago, Chinni reached Khan’s residence early in the morning and held discussion but with the latter remaining adamant, the issue was taken to the notice of TDP scion and former minister N. Lokesh.

When Khan told Lokesh that he would tread his own path, the TDP scion tried to mollify him saying that he should focus on the TDP’s victory rather than personal gains. At that moment, Khan seemed to have calmed down but the same night, he got in touch with the YCP leaders.

He took all precautions to hoodiwnk the media and reached Tadepalli and held discussion with the key leaders.

It is learnt that Jaleel Khan got the much sought assurance about the ticket from the YCP seniors.

It is worth noting that afterwards, he reached home and removed the TDP flag flying on his residence.

Despite being very secretive in proceeding to Tadepalli, the media caught wind of it and when asked, he told the mediapersons that he went to meet the YCP men on some other purpose but not for the party ticket.

However, he said that he would win the polls if given a ticket, with nearly 30,000 vote majority.

Khan’s statements forced the TDP to go into silent mode as the party bigwigs had already tried to appease him several times.

It is learnt that Jaleel Khan’s crossover to the YCP is almost decided.

Meanwhile, the YCP had given the Vijayawada West ticket to one of its corporator.

Now, Khan is in a fix unable to decide whether to stick to the TDP or jump to the YCP, as he might not be able to secure a ticket in either of the parties.

It is significant to note that Jaleel Khan won on a YCP ticket in 2014.