Khammam: The stage is set for former minister Jalagam Prasad Rao to join the Telangana Rastra Samithi (TRS). TRS candidates from Sattupalli, Madhira, Palair, Wyra and Aswaraopet are happy with the development. Prasad will join the TRS in the presence of caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on November 3.
Prasad had tried to join the Congress and had sought the Palair ticket. AICC leaders and TPCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy were in favour of his entry.
But, Congress leaders MLC P. Sudhakar Reddy, former union minister Renuka Chowdhury and TPCC working president Bhatti Vikramarka were not keen on him joining the party. In the know of the situation, minister for roads and buildings Thummala Nageswara Rao convinced Mr Prasad to join the TRS.
Prasad has been elected twice from Sattupalli in 1983 and 1989. He worked as minister for panchayatraj from 1990 to 1994. On getting to know of the developments, Mr Uttam Kumar lifted his suspension and asked him to join the Congress. Mr Prasad said, “I spoke to Uttam and told him that the time is up and I am joining the TRS. I will work to defeat Bhatti in Madhira constituency and the Congress”.
Mr Prasad followers from Penuballi met on Friday and said that the Congress has lost a good chance of winning many segments by restricting his entry to the party.
