Konathala, aides joining TDP

Former Minister and YCP leader Konthala Ramakrishna and former MLA Gandi Babji have met TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu, raising speculation that the AP ruling party has also opened the gates for entry by opposition leaders. Telangana ruling party TRS had been admitting leaders from the leading opposition parties and facing the flak for effecting defections. Confirming the meeting by the YCP leaders, Minister Ayyanna Patrudu on Tuesday made some observations regarding admission of opposition leaders. While several YCP leaders were ready to join the TDP, he said only those having a standing in the public would be admitted by the ruling party. As regards Konathala, Patrudu pointed out that Araku MLA Sarveshwara Rao (YCP), who was the main follower of Ramakrishna, would also be joining the TDP.