Jagan's yatra to be monitered by TD with concern

Nellore: With the heavy attendance witnessed for the padayatra of opposition leader and YSR Congress chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy in SPSR Nellore district, TD leaders have been taking stock of the situation and preparing plans to activate their leaders and cadres besides making efforts to ensure that none of their men defect to YSR Congress.

The padayatra witnessed sizable turnout of public in Sullurpeta, Gudur, Venkatagiri, Sarveypalli, Nellore rural, Kovur, Atmakur, Kavali and Udayagiri constituencies which Jagan has covered so far in the district. Though TD leaders argue that the crowds are transported by YSRC legislators and segment in-charges, they admit that public response to his speeches is notable and can't be ignored. A senior TD leader said the part has been gearing up to sort out differences between leaders in a bid to strengthen it at Sullurpeta, Kovur and Atmakur among others.

In the background, however, all is not seen to be well between senior TD leader Venati Ramachandra Reddy and an industrialist calling shots in the party at Sullurpeta. Venati family is also upset with the interference of new entrants into the party from Congress. The differences are being cited as reason for Venati Sumanth Reddy, son of Ramachandra Reddy, switching over to YSRC.

Similarly, Atmakur TD in-charge and former finance minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy and former in-charge of the segment Kannababu are at loggerheads. The state of affairs is no different between Kovur legislator Polamreddy Srinivasulu Reddy and senior leader and an aspirant for the seat Pellakuru Srinivasulu Reddy.

Reacting to the situation in the district, senior TD leader and member of Rajadhani Advisory Committee Beeda Masthan Rao said differences are common between leaders aspiring for tickets but all of them will remain together to win the elections during the polls as they know the importance of the party being in power.

He said the ruling party is better placed in at least six constituencies and they have been paying attention to strengthening the base in the balance four segments also. Mr Masthan Rao maintained that TD got very strong cadre unlike other political parties because it is the only party that recognises even booth level functionary and encourages them. He struck down speculations over their trails to woo YSRC senior leader and former legislator Katamreddy Vishnuvardhan Reddy into TD fold. He added that they welcome any leader if they want to extend support to TD victory without any conditions.