Politics
Kiran Kumar Reddy, Last CM Of Undivided Andhra Pradesh, Joins BJP Weeks After Resigning From Congress
Former Andhra CM Kiran Kumar Reddy (Pic Via Twitter)
Former Andhra Pradesh chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy on Friday (7 April) joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.
He is the second leader from South India to join BJP within two days after Anil Antony, son of former defence minister and Congress leader A K Antony came into the party fold on Thursday (6 April).
Reddy served as the last chief minister of the undivided Andhra Pradesh before the formation of Telangana in 2014.
Reddy has resigned from Congress in March 2023 citing differences with the party leadership.
Reddy's decision to join the BJP before next year's assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh gains significance since the ruling YSR Congress and the main opposition Telugu Desam Party are in a tough race.
Reddy's presence in BJP could help the party which aims to expand its presence in Andhra Pradesh.
The 62-year-old politician first resigned from Congress in 2014 due to the partition of Andhra Pradesh and started his party called 'Jai Samaikyandhra', but had no success in the 2014 election.
After rejoining Congress in 2018, he remained inactive in politics for a long time.
Hailing from the Rayalaseema region, Reddy is likely to reinforce BJP's presence in the area.
He could also be projected as a potential chief ministerial candidate as BJP is trying to establish as third-alternative in the state.
After joining BJP at the party headquarters in New Delhi, Reddy lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
Reddy cited his family's long-standing association with Congress, and said that he "never imagined" he would leave the party.
He criticized Congress leadership for not accepting people's verdict and being unwilling to make course corrections. He accused them of thinking they were always right and everyone else, including the people of India, was wrong.
The four-time former MLA said that the Congress leadership desires control without working hard or taking responsibility. "The Congress is getting damaged in all states and its high command does not interact with others or take their opinion," he said.
He praised BJP leaders, led by PM Modi, for their commitment to the nation, clear thought, consistency, and courageous decision-making.
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