Blame game has begun over the presence of YSR Congress party leader and former minister Jogi Ramesh at the Telugu Desam Party rally on the occasion of unveiling of the statue of late leader Gouthu Latchanna at Nuzividu, Eluru district on Monday.
As the developed sparked an outrage on social media, with TDP workers and supporters severely criticizing the party for allowing Jogi Ramesh at the event, TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh issued notices to state information minister Kolusu Parthasarathy and MLA Gouthu Sireesha seeking their explanation.
But, the TDP leaders tried to pass the buck to the others. Parthasarathy feigned ignorance over the presence of Jogi Ramesh at the meeting and tendered an apology to the party.
He sought to throw the blame on former MP and APSRTC chairman Konakalla Nararyana, who is believed to have invited Jogi Ramesh to the event.
However, the party did not believe him and issue any such notice to Konakalla Narayana from this inquiry has raised eyebrows among party members.
Sireesha said she had gone to the meeting at the invitation of Gouda Sangham which organised the event and was not aware whether the organisers had invited Jogi Ramesh, too.
What angered the TDP leadership more was the presence of another YSRCP leader Anagani Ravi. While Jogi Ramesh was an accused in a past attack on the residence of TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu, Anagani Ravi was facing the CID case for attacking the TDP office at Mangalagiri in 2021.
Both Jogi Ramesh and Ravi were seen actively participating in the event alongside TDP leaders and shared the stage with them.
“Assuming that they were not aware that Ramesh was coming there, they should have at least protested his presence there or walked out of the event,” a TDP activist said.
It appears the TDP leaders were aware that Jogi Ramesh, too, would come to the rally, as his name was printed among the invitees by the organisers.
“At least then, the TDP leaders should have protested or boycotted the event,” the activist said.