In a major development, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has relieved Telangana working president A Revanth Reddy of his duties as the party floor leader in the state’s Legislative Assembly, for his ‘anti-party’ activities.
The party took the decision after Revanth’s recent visit to Delhi to meet senior Congress leaders. Revanth met Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who had approved his entry into the party ‘unconditionally’, according to reports.
The TDP is also gearing up to remove him from the post of working president his post with immediate effect, reports suggest, and planning to replace him with BC leader R Krishnaiah.
Ever since Revanth’s visit to Delhi, infuriated TDP leaders have demanded his expulsion from the party. However, the party maintained has restraint and will decide Revanth’s fate on October 26, when TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will return to India. Naidu is currently in London.
Surprisingly, the decision to relieve him of his duties, was taken before Naidu’s return.
TDP president L Ramana told media persons on Tuesday that Naidu is being briefed about the internal conflict in the party due to Revanth, telling media persons, “We will take a decision on Revanth Reddy after discussing the issue at the party’s legislature party meeting slated for October 26. TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu will also be briefed about the developments in the meantime.”
Despite wide reports that Revanth would be joining the Congress, the Kodangal MLA denied defecting to Congress. However, he said that he would give an explanation to the party only after meeting Chandrababu Naidu.
It is also reported that Chandrababu has directed TS-TDP president Ramana not to invite Revanth for any party meetings until further instructions.
Meanwhile, amidst wide speculation that Revanth would be joining Congress, his aides in Kodangal have already shifted loyalties to the TRS party.