Till a few days ago, there was a talk that former minister and Prominent Kapu leader from East Godavari Mudragada Padmanabham will join the YSR Congress party. In fact, the YSRCP leaders even fixed the date – January 2 for his entry into their party.
In fact, Mudragada has been making statements in favour of YSRCP and its president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy for quite some time. He even lashed out at Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan for making wild allegations against YSRCP MLA from Kakinada (urban) Dwarampudi Chandrasekhar Reddy.
There were reports that while Mudragada will be fielded from Kakinada Lok Sabha seat, his son Giribabu or daughter-in-law would be given the YSRCP ticket for the assembly seat either from Prathipadu or Pithapuram or Jaggampet.
But nothing of that sort has happened. There was no further communication from YSRCP to Mudragada or his family members as Jagan has chosen different candidates for Jaggampet, Prathipadu or Pithapuram constituencies.
Latest reports indicate that Jagan has finalised the name of Chalamalasetti Sunil for Kakinada Lok Sabha seat, indicating that there would be no place for Mudragada or his family members in the YSRC.
Apparently, this has forced Mudragada to rethink on joining the YSRC. Taking advantage of the situation, Jana Sena leader Bolishetty Srinivas had met Mudragada at the latter’s residence and invited him into the party.
The Kapu leader reportedly told the Jana Sena leader that he had no plans to join the YSRCP. He is learnt to have had a telephonic talk with Pawan Kalyan and the latter may come to Kirlampudi in a couple of days to meet the veteran leader.
In the meantime, senior TDP leader Jyothula Nehru also came to Mudragada’s residence on Thursday afternoon and held talks with him. He requested his cooperation in consolidation of Kapu ranks.
Speaking to reporters, Mudragada’s son Giribabu said his family might join either party – TDP or Jana Sena, but would not go into the YSRCP.
“Both me and my father will contest the elections, but we shall disclose it only after joining either party,” he said, adding that a decision would be taken after discussing with the followers and well-wishers.
