BRS foray into AP kicks up a row
Telangana CM appointed former IAS officer Thota Chandrasekhar as the president of AP unit
image for illustrative purpose
KCR was responsible for inter-State river disputes and delay in payment of dues to AP GENCO. How could the BRS founder foray into AP politics when he himself was solely responsible for the division of the State, question Andhra Ministers
Vijayawada: The decision of Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) to foray into electoral politics of Andhra Pradesh has drawn serious criticism from YSR Congress Party, Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress.
At the induction function organised by BRS at the party headquarters in Hyderabad, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao appointed former IAS officer Thota Chandrasekhar as the president of AP unit and announced a national role to former TDP Minister Ravela Kishore Babu and a key position to former IRTS officer Chintala Parthasaradhi. Chandrasekhar, who belongs to the powerful Kapu community, had contested Eluru Lok Sabha elections on YSRCP ticket in 2014.
Criticising KCR's decision, AP Tourism Minister and Tollywood star RK Raja, how could the BRS founder foray into AP politics when he himself was solely responsible for the division of the State. Similar was the feeling echoed by Irrigation Minister Ambati Rambabu and Industries Minister Gudivada Amarnath. Rambabu said KCR was responsible for inter-State river disputes and delay in payment of dues to AP GENCO.
On the other hand, BJP national vice-president and former TS Minister DK Aruna said KCR's announcements and speeches are being treated as comedy due to loss of credibility following his failure to fulfil his promises.
Telangana Congress president R Revanth Reddy KCR's strategy is well-known. "Once footwear's are thrown on him in AP, he will try to whip up Telangana pride among the people at a time when the State is scheduled to face elections."
Another Congress leader said contesting elections without any base has no relevance and pointed out how Pyramid Party and Praja Shanti Party had put up candidates in a record number of seats and finally drew a blank. CPI and CPI (M) have not reacted over the development. The Left parties had supported BRS candidate in the recently held Munugode by-elections in erstwhile Nalgonda district.
