Discord in the BJP as turncoats, sans recognition, feel slighted
Leaders who had joined Bharatiya Janata Party from other parties are under pressure over not being duly recognised within the saffron party. They are regretting that though they had been welcomed with open arms, they are now being neglected within the BJP.
They include ex-TDP leaders Motkupalli Narasimhulu, Garikapati Mohan Rao and Peddi Reddy, who had joined the saffron party along with their followers. Congress leaders like Ravi Kumar Yadav and Goshamahal in-charge Vikram Goud too had got on to the BJP bandwagon. But they are all worried about their political future.
Senior leaders among them recall the promises made to them about posts when they joined the saffron party. But with years and months going by, they are afraid that they will go into political oblivion.
Recently, former minister Narasimhulu attended the Dalit empowerment meeting addressed by Chief Minister K.
Chandrashekar Rao at Pragathi Bhavan, though BJP had boycotted this conference. Narasimhulu had joined the BJP long ago and his attendance at the CM’s meeting has raised eyebrows.
Several senior BJP leaders said, “Our party is not like others. Important positions go only to those who deserve them. Party high command knows who is a capable leader and who has joined the saffron party for a second lease of life. If they are not patient, they will be unable to continue their journey with the party.”
State BJP is also dissatisfied with these leaders for not participating in party programmes. Recently, former minister Peddi Reddy had openly expressed his deep dissatisfaction over Etala Rajendar hogging the limelight.
Likewise, former home minister T. Devender Goud’s sons, who had joined BJP, are also unhappy.
PCC chief Revanth Reddy and senior Congress leader Madhu Yashki had visited Devender Goud’s two sons the other day and openly welcomed them into the Congress. This has led to speculations that both could move into the Congress fold, as BJP has not fulfilled its promises made to them.