Senior YSR Congress party legislator from Vijayawada (Central) Malladi Vishnu, who has been denied the party ticket to contest the ensuing assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, is likely to follow the path shown by his colleague and Mangalagiri MLA Alla Ramakrishna Reddy.
Vishnu, who made a desperate attempt to lobby for retaining his seat, was shown the exit door by YSRC president and chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, as various surveys commissioned by the party indicated that he might lose the seat.
Vishnu’s name was missing in the second list of candidates released by Jagan on Tuesday night. In his place, Vijayawada (West) MLA Vellampalli Srinivas was given the party ticket from Vijayawada (Central).
Upset with the party’s decision, Vishnu’s followers resorted to an agitation at the party central office and fumed at the party leadership. Vishnu immediately held a meeting with his followers to discuss his future course of action.
On Wednesday, the MLA called for a meeting of his supporters and followers at Gymkhana grounds, where he would announce his decision to quit the party along with his followers.
Sources said Vishnu, who has been very critical of the TDP all these days, has no chances of joining the yellow brigade now.
“Apparently, he wants to return to his parent party – the Congress and extend support to Jagan’s sister Sharmila, who is likely to take over as the Andhra PCC chief,” sources said.
Already, Mangalagiri MLA Alla Ramakrishna Reddy announced that he would sail with Sharmila in the coming days and might join the Congress, if she takes over the party reins.
“Now, Vishnu also may follow the suit. He is expected to meet her after she assumes the charge as the PCC chief,” sources added.
