Hyderabad, March 14 (NSS): Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy met former MP and BJP leader AP Jithender Reddy at his residence here on Thursday.
With the BJP leadership denying the ticket to Jithender Reddy from Mahabubnagar Lok Sabha constituency, the Chief Minister’s meeting assumes significance and it also triggered speculations in political circles. Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, MLC Patnam Mahender Reddy accompanied the Chief Minister.
Jithender Reddy is keen to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Mahabubnagar and has been trying hard for the party ticket for a long time.
However, the BJP on Wednesday announced its second list of candidates and named veteran politician DK Aruna from the Mahbubnagar constituency. BJP’s decision left Jitender Reddy completely disappointed.
Speaking to the media, Jithender Reddy said that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy coming to his house was nothing new and the latter came to his elder brother’s house.
” We belong to the same district. The Chief Minister came to console me that I didn’t get a seat. I am still in the BJP, but my political future is in the hands of the party,” he said.
Responding to the question on joining the Congress party, the BJP leader said the MP tickets have been filled in Congress and there are no vacant seats.
“While Vamshi Chand Reddy is contesting from Mahbubnagar, Patnam Mahender Reddy family is contesting from Chevella. Moreover, the Chief Minister has not invited me into the Congress party. At the same time, I didn’t say anything either. Revanth Reddy has come to my house only for consoling,” Jithender Reddy disclosed.
On the other hand, it is learnt that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is planning to depute Jithender Reddy from Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency. Sources said that Jithender Reddy has been offered the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha ticket if he joins the Congress party.
The Chief Minister believes that Jithender Reddy, who is a two-time MP and has strong connections in New Delhi, will surely win if he is fielded by the Congress party. (nss)
