Sandra Venkata Veeraiah to join TRS

TDP MLA from Sattupalli of Khammam district Sandra Venkata Veeraiah has announced his decision to join the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi.

Ending speculation over his switching loyalties, Mr. Venkata Veeraiah had called on Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao at Pragati Bhavan on Saturday and held discussions with him. The four-time MLA on Sunday made public his decision, asserting that his joining the TRS was in the interest of his constituents who reposed faith in him.

The development assumes significance in the light of the coming election to the vacant posts in the Legislative Council under the MLAs quota. The TRS has fielded five candidates and the Congress one for the five vacancies and the Congress could win the seat if it secures support of the two TDP members taking its strength to 21. The TRS



leadership has, however, intensified efforts to win all the five seats and was said to be holding negotiations with other TDP MLA M. Nageswara Rao too.

Mr. Venkata Veeraiah said he would hold discussions with his well-wishers and people of the constituency for finalising the date of joining the TRS. He said he would resign from the TDP before joining the TRS. Mr. Venkata Veeraiah said the future for the TDP in Telangana appeared bleak and he would not be in a position to ensure accelerated development of his constituency while being in opposition.

People gave the TRS a massive mandate in the light of the spree of welfare and developmental activities launched by the ruling party during its first tenure and “I have decided to join the TRS to take forward these initiatives”.