In a significant political shift, former BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) MLA Teegala Krishna Reddy has declared his intention to join the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). This move is being viewed as a setback to the BRS, as Reddy pledges to work towards restoring TDP’s past prominence, particularly in Telangana. Speaking to the media on Monday, he expressed his commitment to reviving the party’s glory, following a productive meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Reddy emphasized how Hyderabad flourished under Naidu’s leadership during his tenure as the Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh.
Teegala Krishna Reddy’s Tenure as Hyderabad Mayor
Krishna Reddy, who once served as the Mayor of Hyderabad, praised the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu. He recounted how key areas of the city, such as Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and the now-thriving Cyberabad, were developed during TDP’s regime. “No one can dispute it, and I am a witness to the massive transformation,” Reddy stated. His statements highlighted the positive developments the city experienced under Naidu’s administration, setting the foundation for Hyderabad’s growth as a major technological and tourism hub in the region.
Speculation Surrounding Other BRS Leaders
The announcement was not made in isolation. Alongside Reddy, two BRS MLAs—Ch Malla Reddy and Marri Rajasekhar Reddy—were present during the meeting with Naidu, fueling speculations about their possible defection to the TDP. Both leaders have historical ties to the TDP, having been members before joining the BRS following the creation of Telangana. This potential move could have significant ramifications for the political landscape in Telangana, as the TDP eyes a resurgence in the region.
Naidu’s Developmental Legacy in Hyderabad
Teegala Krishna Reddy was keen to emphasize the remarkable progress Hyderabad made under Naidu’s leadership. The city received prestigious awards for its cleanliness and tourism appeal during his tenure, an achievement Reddy believes could be replicated with the right leadership in place. “Hyderabad was recognized as a clean and green city, and it received the best city and tourism awards under Naidu’s regime,” he explained. Reddy’s admiration for Naidu’s development agenda is a key motivation behind his decision to return to the TDP, and he is eager to contribute to the party’s resurgence in Telangana.
Reviving TDP’s Glory in Telangana
Reddy’s decision to join the TDP comes at a time when the party is seeking to reclaim its foothold in Telangana. The creation of Telangana, while politically significant, resulted in a shift of loyalties among many leaders, including Reddy himself. However, Reddy now appears committed to working for the revival of TDP in the region. “We are ready to work in the direction of bringing back the past glory of the party in Telangana,” he affirmed. His goal is not just to strengthen the TDP but also to ensure the welfare of backward communities (BCs), a cause that was prioritized under the leadership of the late NT Rama Rao, TDP’s founding father.
Naidu’s Vision for Telangana’s Future
During the meeting, Reddy shared that Naidu expressed an interest in discussing the party’s future in Telangana in greater detail. “Naidu informed us that he would call them once again to discuss the issue with them in detail,” Reddy said. This openness to dialogue signals a potential strategy to bring back more leaders into the TDP fold, thus fortifying the party’s base ahead of future elections.
Strong Support Base in Hyderabad
Despite shifting political alliances, Reddy remains confident in the TDP’s enduring support in Hyderabad. He believes there is a substantial base of TDP supporters within the city, ready to rally behind the party once again. “There are many TDP supporters in the city, and we will unite them to revive the party,” Reddy asserted. This optimism suggests that the TDP’s revival efforts, particularly in urban areas like Hyderabad, could gather momentum with Reddy’s leadership and Naidu’s guidance.
Malla Reddy’s Silence Fuels Speculation
Though Malla Reddy accompanied Teegala Krishna Reddy to meet Naidu, he remained silent when questioned by media about his political future. Sources indicated that the meeting may have been more personal than political, as Malla Reddy and his son-in-law Marri Rajasekhar Reddy reportedly met Naidu to extend an invitation to his granddaughter’s wedding. Nevertheless, his presence at such a pivotal meeting has sparked rumors about a potential return to TDP.
Conclusion
The decision of Teegala Krishna Reddy to rejoin TDP could mark the beginning of a political shift in Telangana. His dedication to reviving the party’s glory, combined with Chandrababu Naidu’s developmental legacy, provides a solid foundation for the TDP’s resurgence. Whether this move will encourage other prominent leaders like Malla Reddy to follow suit remains to be seen. One thing is clear: Reddy’s return has the potential to reshape Telangana’s political landscape, positioning TDP as a formidable force in the state once again.