The sudden decision of senior Congress leader Vanteru Pratap Reddy, who put up a strong fight against Telangana Rashtra Samithi president and chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao in the recent assembly elections in Gajwel constituency, to join the TRS has come as a surprise and shock to many party leaders as well as political observers.
For, Vanteru is known for his fighting spirit and he has been vehemently opposing the TRS in Gajwel for several years.
He had been rallying point for all the anti-TRS forces not only in Gajwel but also in the entire Medak district.
He had been in Telugu Desam Party for a long time before jumping into the Congress party.
Now, the same man joined the TRS in the presence of his bitter rival KCR. The reason cited by Vanteru is that he had got an invitation from KCR and he had accepted it.
However, senior Congress leader and Sangareddy MLA T Jayaprakash Reddy said there was nothing wrong in the decision of Vanteru to join the TRS.
“Vanteru had lost three consecutive elections fighting with the TRS. He has been financially crippled and is exhausted. He has no other option but to join the ruling party for his survival,” he said.
Apparently, KCR gave him a bumper offer. He would be made an MLC and also in-charge of Gajwel constituency.
If KCR happens to move to Delhi to play a role in national politics, Vanteru would be fielded from Gajwel as an MLA and taken into the state cabinet.
Besides, his son would also be given the Medak zilla parishad chairman post. So, why would Vanteru not be tempted?
