No takers for Kiran’s new party in N Andhra

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 19, 2014: There seems to be no takers to the much talked about political party, which is rumoured to be launched soon by N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who resigned as the state chief minister on Wednesday, from north Andhra Pradesh.

North Andhra comprising three districts-Vizag, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam had always indicated trend of any political party during all the past elections. Whether for the TD, when it was launched in 1980s, and Congress, during its resurgence in 2004, north Andhra played the backbone to form respective governments.

In fact Kiran Kumar Reddy toured the three districts extensively, many times since he assumed office of chief minister on Nov 25 in 2010 realising, the region’s importance. Being on the north- eastern side of Andhra Pradesh, Srikakulam is believed to be auspicious for the launch of election campaigns and any new programmes.

Kiran Reddy too chose Tekkali in Srikakulam district for an official launch of his government’s welfare initiative for the BPL families ‘Amma Hastham’ in April, 2013.

Ironically, of the 35 MLAs from the three districts of north Andhra, it was only Tekkali Congress MLA Korla Bharathi, was seen at the CM camp office while he addressed media to announce his resignation on Wednesday. Ganta Srinivas Rao and Sathrucharla Vijayarama Raju, Kondru Murali and P Balaraju who were seen rubbing shoulders with Kiran Reddy until a few days ago seems to have deserted him.

Political uncertainty is seen as a major reason for the leaders to develop cold feet towards the new political party. After the PRP experiment failed, none wants to take risk in joining a new party.

Kondru Murali and P Balaraju had openly criticised Kiran’s decision to leave party and said they would continue in Congress party. “Kiran Reddy is Congress traitor. How can he now ditch the party which gave him so many posts? Though I’m a strong integrationist personally and at heart I will not leave Congress. I don’t understand why everyone is criticizing Congress when all the parties agreed to the state division,” said tribal welfare minister, P Balaraju.

No prominent leader from  the three districts, is showing any signs of joining Kiran’s party. Ganta Srinivaa Rao is said to be preparing ground for the grand homecoming as he is set to  join TD shortly from where he debuted into politics. Satrucharla Vijayaram Raju too is also yet to decide on Kiran’s party.

In 2008, when actor Chiranjeevi launched his political outfit he undertook a statewide tour titled Praja Ankitha Yatraa. It was launched on October 9 at Arasavilli in Srikakulam.

In 2009, the Congress general election campaign was also officially launched in Ichapuram with the then PCC chief D Srinivas and other party leaders actively taking part in a massive meeting and road shows.

Actor Jr NTR, who lent his hand to uncle and TD chief N. Chandrababu Naidu during the 2009 elections, also launched his 40-day statewide poll campaign from Ichapuram.

 YSR’s widow, YS Vijayalakshmi too launched her election campaign in 2012 during by polls from Narsannapeta in Srikakulam.