In a blow to BJP, leader from Kishan Reddy constituency quits, joins BRS

HYDERABAD: The BJP in Telangana on Friday received a big blow, amidst fears that it could impact state BJP president G. Kishan Reddy’s image, with its former Greater Hyderabad president B. Venkat Reddy, along with his wife Padma, BJP Baghamberpet corporator, joining the BRS. Venkat Reddy had been with the BJP for around 40 years and a follower of Kishan Reddy.

BJP leaders said Venkat Reddy’s quitting the party comes as a huge perception blow to Kishan Reddy. The couple are from the Amberpet Assembly constituency, which was earlier represented by Kishan Reddy. Amberpet is also one of the segments of the Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituency Kishan Reddy represents.

Announcing his decision to quit the party along with his wife, Venkat Reddy said despite working for the party for many years, he did not receive the recognition he deserved. His attempts to discuss issues with Kishan Reddy failed as the state BJP president was not willing to talk, he told reporters.

Though some senior BJP leaders sought to dismiss Venkat Reddy leaving the party, they did admit that it was a publicity coup for the BRS. The ruling party can now claim that Kishan Reddy is an ineffective leader who culd not keep his flock from his own constituency with him.