Date:11/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/11/stories/2007111155920600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Independent MLA to join TDP

Staff Reporter

NELLORE: Political developments in Nellore district have taken a new turn as independent MLA from Atmakur Kommi Lakshmaiah Naidu, who has hitherto been supporting the ruling Congress, has now decided to join the TDP.

He is the second prominent elected representative after MLC Bommireddy Raghavendra Reddy to join the main opposition party.

“The decks have been cleared for the Atmakur MLA to join the TDP as party president N. Chandrababu Naidu has given him consent.

As I am leaving for the U.S. on November 13 and will be back on December 17, Mr. Lakshmaiah Naidu will join the party any day after December 17,” said Mr. Raghavendra Reddy, who is considered a close associate of the legislator.

The Atmakur MLA was earlier expected to join the Congress in view of his cordial relations with Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy.But Mr. Lakshmaiah Naidu changed his mind after several Congress leaders, including Information and Public Relations Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy and his brother Anam Vivekananda Reddy, reportedly opposed his inclusion in the party.

Besides, Mr. Raghavendra Reddy, who joined the TDP after becoming MLC from Local Authorities’ Constituency with the active support of both Mr. Lakshmaiah Naidu and the TDP, persuaded the latter to join the TDP.