After much dilly-dallying, senior Telugu film comedian Ali finally joined the YSR Congress party in the presence of party president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy at the latter’s Lotus Pond residence in Hyderabad on Monday.
Ali’s entry into the YSRC was no surprise, knowing his inconsistent political stand. But till the other day, he had been giving impression that he would join the Telugu Desam Party, as he had met party president N Chandrababu Naidu only recently and posed for photographs.
But suddenly, Ali decided to take a turn and moved towards YSRC on Monday. What is surprising is that Jagan did not offer him any assembly seat.
“I will not contest the elections, but will work for the party and campaign for it in the elections. People in Andhra want Jagan as the next chief minister,” he said.
He also claimed to be a close follower of late Y S Rajasekhar Reddy and said he was impressed with the padayatra of Jagan.
He said Jagan had given him a commitment, but did not disclose what it was.
“I am confident he would definitely fulfil his commitment,” he said.
Why did Ali suddenly change his stand?
According to sources, Ali had asked Naidu to give him the MLA ticket Guntur (East) assembly seat in the April 11 assembly polls.
Besides, Ali also wanted a strong commitment from Naidu that he would be given a cabinet berth if he was elected. But Naidu reportedly expressed his helplessness in giving the ticket to Ali, as there was a very high competition in Guntur.
On the other hand, Jagan reportedly promised to make him an MLC, if not the MLA, and would take him into the cabinet.
Ali was more convinced with Jagan’s promise and decided to join the YSRC.
