A day after cricketer-politician Ambati Rayudu announced his departure from the ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu took a critical stance against Jagan Mohan Reddy's government.
In a public meeting held in Tiruvuru, Krishna district, as part of the TDP's campaign, Naidu expressed his view that Ambati Rayudu's decision to leave the YSRCP was indicative of his anticipation of the party's defeat in the upcoming Assembly polls. Rayudu, who had joined the party on December 28, 2023, in the presence of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister K Narayana Swamy, and Rajampeta Lok Sabha member P Mithun Reddy, announced his withdrawal from politics temporarily.
Naidu suggested that Rayudu, in his quest for a political seat from the Guntur parliamentary constituency, chose to exit the party foreseeing its potential electoral setback. Acknowledging Rayudu's aspiration for an MP seat, Naidu contended that Chief Minister Jagan Reddy, known for deceptive tactics, had promised Rayudu the Guntur seat and instructed him to contribute to the party in that region.
However, Naidu alleged that Jagan Reddy reneged on his promise and informed another leader that the Guntur parliament ticket would be given to someone else. These accusations formed part of Naidu's remarks during the public meeting.
In response to these claims, Rayudu cited a different reason for his departure from the party. The former Chennai Super Kings wicketkeeper-batter explained that his commitment to representing the Mumbai Indians in the upcoming ILt20 in Dubai, starting on January 20th, required him to be politically non-affiliated while engaging in professional sports.
The Andhra Pradesh elections, expected to coincide with the Lok Sabha elections later this year, continue to be a focal point of political discussions in the state.
