It looks like Bharatiya Janata Party Andhra Pradesh unit president Somu Veerraju is all set to pay the penalty for his loose tongue. He may not continue in the post for a long time, according to sources in the party.
Known for his foot-in-the-mouth character, Veerraju kicked up a lot of heat and dust by describing the people of Kadapa as “killers,” while claiming the credit for the development of airport in the Rayalaseema districts.
While not a single BJP leader came to his support defending his comments, several other leaders including YSR Congress party, the CPI and the Congress came down heavily on him for making such derogatory comments against Rayalaseema in general and Kadapa in particular.
Having no other option, the state BJP leader had to tender his apology to the people of Kadapa on Saturday. He took the social media to apologise to the Kadapa people, saying he was withdrawing his comments.
Veerraju said he had realised that the people of Rayalaseema were terribly hurt with his comments, which he had made inadvertently in the process of criticising the YSRC government.
“Rayalaseema is a Ratanala Seema (land of jewels). This adage is still deeply rooted in my heart. I strongly wish Rayalaseema will develop more on all fronts,” he said.
However, despite his apology, the damage to the BJP has already been done by Veerraju.
Sources said leaders like BJP senior leaders like P Vishnuvardhan Reddy, C M Ramesh and others complained to the party national leadership against Veerraju, saying his loose tongue is causing a lot of damage to the party.
The party national leadership is also said to be of the view that Veerraju has failed to lead the party in the right direction. It is now looking for an effective alternative.
“In all probability, the party might replace Veerraju with another effective leader,” sources said.