Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, Jupally Krishna Rao all set to join Congress?

HYDERABAD: Putting an end to the speculation on their political future, former Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) leaders, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Jupally Krishna Rao, have reportedly decided to join the Congress party. Their formal entry into the party may take place after Rahul Gandhi returns from his US trip.

With the efforts of both the leaders from the erstwhile Khammam and Mahbubagar districts to join BJP failing to fructify, they were left with no option but to join the grand-old party. After severing ties with the BRS, they sent feelers to the BJP high command through its MLA Eatala Rajender.

After reportedly tasting the indifference from the BJP, the two leaders had several rounds of discussions with ‘Team Rahul’ to clear the line for their admission into the party. According to party sources, they were offered party tickets and a free hand in the allotment of tickets to their close associates.

The leaders decided to put an end to the long wait following the emphatic victory of the Congress in Karnataka and the prevailing mood of the voters in the country. Even though there was no official declaration on their entry into the Congress, party sources said that the process would begin after the return of Rahul Gandhi and also TPCC chief A Revanth Reddy from the US.

Meanwhile, the mood of the party cadre in both districts was upbeat, with signs of Ponguleti and Jupally joining Congress becoming clear. They said that the admission of these two leaders into the party fold could turn the tables in favour of the party.