BJP: Rajgopal's Exit A Betrayal, He'll Lose

Hyderabad: Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy’s resignation from the BJP triggered sharp responses from former colleagues, who termed his decision to rejoin the Congress a “betrayal”, claiming the BJP would defeat him in the polls.

G. Premender Reddy, BJP state general secretary, said, “Whether to stay with the BJP or not is his choice. The BJP will defeat the BRS and Congress and come to power.”

BJP leaders cited TPCC chief Revanth Reddy’s comments — made when Rajgopal was joining the BJP — that he had switched allegiances to bag a contract worth Rs 21,000 crore.

“This (Congress decision to re-induct him) shows they are opportunists to the core. They are doing this to strengthen the BRS as they will defect en masse. Problems (in the BJP) started with admitting people like him,” said N.V.S.S. Prabhakar, official spokesperson of the BJP.

G. Rani Rudrama Reddy, BJP’s official spokesperson for the state, said that only personal gains mattered to Rajgopal Reddy “who has scant regard for people or ideology.” Citing his attacks on Mallikarjun Kharge and Revanth Reddy while joining the BJP, she said it was clearly for personal agenda and “people will not accept such behaviour.”