Yet another rude shock is set to strike Telugu Desam Party president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who is yet to recover from the shock of resignation of Gannavaram MLA Vallabhaneni Vamsi Mohan from the party and assembly membership.
Telugu Yuvata state president Devineni Avinash, who Naidu has been considering a trusted lieutenant of the party, is all set to join the YSR Congress party.
He is learnt to have taken a decision at a meeting with his followers and supporters at his residence in Gunadala in Vijayawada on Wednesday.
Majority of his fans and followers suggested to Avinash to join the YSR Congress party, as there was no respect and recognition to the followers of his father Devineni Nehru. They also expressed regrets that Avinash has not been getting adequate respect in the TDP.
“In all probability, Avinash will join the YSRC on Thursday itself, almost at the same time when Naidu sits on a day-long deeksha on sand crisis in the state in Vijayawada,” sources said.
There had been a talk about Avinash, who lost from Gudivada assembly constituency in the recent elections, leaving the TDP in the past.
He reportedly met Naidu soon after the party lost in the assembly elections and told him that there would be no future for the party as long as Naidu encouraged Lokesh.
Avinash, even complained to the TDP president on Lokesh's alleged ill-treatment of him citing some incidents.
He said he would continue in the party only if Lokesh is siledlined and he was made in-charge for Vijayawada East or Penamaluru constituency instead of Gudiwada. But Naidu continued to encourage Lokesh.
It is learnt the YSRC leadership has decided to lure influential Kamma leaders from the TDP having strong cadre base in their respective districts.
Apparently, this move is aimed at weakening the TDP, which still has very strong base of cadre in the districts. If the cadre disintegrates, the party automatically collapses.
The defection of Avinash, who represents Kamma community in the district, will be a big setback to the party, as he can influence a large section of the community to switch over to the YSRC.