The BJP in Telangana received a jolt when one of its leaders, Kaushik Hari from Ramagundam in the Peddapalli district, crossed over to the BRS on Friday, 18 August.
Ramagundam MLA Korukanti Chander and Government Whip Balka Suman took Hari to BRS working president KT Rama Rao late on Friday night.Rama Rao welcomed him to the party.
Hari told KTR that he wanted to formally join the BRS along with his supporters at a public meeting in Ramagundam.
A few days ago, Tellam Venkata Rao, who joined the Congress recently, returned to the BRS, ostensibly because of the inhospitable ecosystem in the Congress.He had joined the Congress along with his leader, former MP Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy.
It is also said that another leader close to Srinivasa Reddy is preparing to switch over to BRS.
Waiting for Jagga Reddy
BRS sources indicated to media that the party’s efforts to bag senior leaders from rival parties continues apace.
Next in line is said to be Sangareddy Congress MLA T Jayaprakash Reddy, popularly known as Jagga Reddy.Speculation is rife that he might make the move any time.
The sources said that, although he has wanted to join the ranks of the pink party for some time now, he was uncertain whether it was the right decision.
Unable to find answers to several “what ifs”, he is understood to have put off the decision.
According to the sources, Jagga Reddy was worried on three counts.
One, how it would look if the Congress came to power after he joined the BRS.Two, if he won as a Congress nominee and the BRS retained power.And finally the foreboding prospect: That he may lose the election to the BRS as a Congress nominee, and the BRS comes to power.
With elections drawing closer, however, the Sangareddy leader — easily identifiable by his characteristic flowing beard — appears to have made up his mind to join the BRS sooner than later.
