Date:07/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/07/stories/2009010759200300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Ganta takes dig at Yerrannaidu

Special Correspondent

‘Several BC leaders quitting Telugu Desam to join Praja Rajyam Party’

Yerrannaidu’s remarks termed uncharitable
TDP’s stand on Telangana ridiculed

VISAKHAPATNAM: Praja Rajyam Party’s Vizag convenor and former MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao on Tuesday made a scathing attack on TDP senior leader K. Yerrannaidu for the latter’s ‘uncharitable’ remarks against the PRP.

Addressing a media conference here, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said that it was unfortunate that Mr. Yerrannaidu commented that PRP was ‘tasteless, colourless and odourless’ which was uncharitable. “Yes, we are not carrying the stench of corruption. Nor do we change our ideals every day. Only the TDP is capable of saying no to Telanaga till recently and yes to Telanaga now, no free power then and everything free now, no Communists then, and inviting Communists into its fold with open arms today,” he stated.

It was surprising the TDP was gloating over its performance in the recent elections to local bodies though it actually lost ground, he noted. The PRP encouraged backward classes and today several BC leaders and MLAs were leaving the TDP to join the PRP ranks. Almost all the BC leaders in Srikakulam which was once a bastion of TDP, had quit the party to join the PRP, he pointed out.

Former MLA and joint convenor P.G.V.R. Naidu (Ganababu) said that it was the PRP’s pro-BC stand that made others sit up and take notice. Only PRP could provide social justice, he said. Another former MLA S.A. Rahman said a senior leader like Mr. Yerran Naidu should refrain from indulging in ‘senseless talk’. Former Minister Reddy Satyanarayana also spoke.