Cong MLA Rajesh, Chengala join YSRCP

Inflicting a body blow to the Congress party in West Godavari district, Chintalapudi Congress MLA Maddala Rajesh Kumar today joined the YSR Congress Party in the presence of party honourary president Smt. Y.S. Vijayamma in Hyderabad.

Rajesh Kumar later told journalists he has also decided to quit assembly and would send his resignation letter to the Speaker Nadendla Manohar.

In another related development, Payakarao Pet former TDP MLA Chengala Venkata Rao also joined the YSRCP in the presence of Vijayamma.

Both Rajesh Kumar and Venkata Rao met Vijayamma at her Lotus Ponds residence and joined the YSR Congress. Prior to their joining, they met Vijayamma separately and held discussions.

Payakarao Pet YSRCP MLA Golla Babu Rao, who was also present, said Venkata Rao has been fed up with the working style of TDP chief Chandrababu naidu and is happy to join YSRCP. “Venkata Rao has been attracted towards the aims and objectives of the YSRCP and has a great appreciation for the welfare schemes implemented by YSR. I welcome him wholeheartedly into the party,” said Babu Rao on the occasion.

Venkata Rao told newspersons that he represented the Payakarao Pet constituency for 10 years from TDP from 1999 to 2009 but had no due recognition in the party. “Chandrababu never followed my advice to implement welfare schemes,” he said adding that Congress and TDP have conspired together against Jagan and jailed him.

“I have joined the party as an ordinary worker and not for any posts,” he told journalists.

TDP leader Karra Raja Rao to join YSRCP

TDP leader Karra Raja Rao, who contested the last assembly elections against Rajesh Kumar in the SC reserved constituency of Chintalapudi in West Godavari district, has also decided to join the YSRCP. “I will join the YSRCP at a public meeting at Kovvur on Nov 4 in the presence of Vijayamma,” Raja Rao said.

(Updated on Oct 29,2012)