Mahabubnagar: Former BRS minister Jupally, others set to join Congress

Hyderabad: Bringing down the curtains over the suspense of former Minister Jupally Krishna Rao's re-entry into Congress, the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief A Revanth Reddy, along with Bhongir MP Komatireddy Venkat Reddy called on his residence in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

It is expected that he will be formally joining the party in the presence of Rahul Gandhi by this month's end.

Revanth Reddy, who had visited Venkat Reddy's residence with him, had a lunch meeting at Jupally's place and urged him to return to the party. "Despite nine years of rule, chief minister KCR has failed to develop the Palamur (Mahbubnagar district). Hence those who joined the BRS started revolting. The development of the party is only possible with Congress. Hence we have come here to welcome him," he said.

Scores of others in the line

The other leaders who were present during the lunch meeting were K Rajesh Reddy, son of BRS MLC K Damodar Reddy, former MLA and BRS leader, R Gurunath Reddy, former MLC, and BRS leader Arkala Narsa Reddy amongst others who are expected to join the party.

"These joinings are part of political realignment against KCR, which will be beneficial for the people. There are more leaders who are ready to join and formally welcomed on an appropriate date," Revanth added.

Was suspended from BRS over alleged 'anti-party' activities

Former Congress leader and MLA from Kollapur constituency got elected five times consecutively since 1999. Jupally quit the party and joined TRS (now BRS) in 2011. He won from the Pink party in 2014 but lost the 2018 Assembly elections. Earlier this year, he and former MP Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy were suspended from BRS for their alleged 'anti-party' activities. At an event in Kothagudem, both had levelled serious allegations of corruption against KCR.

Prior to the Karnataka Assembly elections, Jupally was expected to join the BJP, and after weighing options of joining the party, he decided at last. While leaders from both BJP and Congress remained in touch for the past few months, it is believed he chose to return back to the grand old party.

Later during the day, the Congress leaders, along with Jupally, called on Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy at his residence in the presence of former MP Ramasahayam Surender Reddy. "We welcomed Ponguleti and his associates into the party fold following recommendations from important leaders in Khammam. Ponguleti and Khammam-based leaders will be laying the foundation to end KCR's rule," Revanth asserted.

The top leaders, including former MLAs Payam Venkateshwarlu, Koram Kanakaiah and over a dozen of their associates, joined the party.