Chandrababu Naidu has no match, says Diwakar Reddy

Anantapur MP J.C. Diwakar Reddy exhorted Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to re-play his decisive role in the national politics and reminded him that one day or the other he must hand over the baton to his son and Minister for Panchayat Raj and IT Nara Lokesh.

“There is no visionary leader like you in the country having such intellectual capability and a strong commitment to serving the masses. It is our misfortune that you trusted Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he made a slew of promises. Now that the BJP leaders have shown their true colours, you should prepare to call the shots again in New Delhi,” Mr. Reddy advised Mr. Naidu, wondering for how many more years he wanted to limit himself to the CM chair. Mr. Reddy said he had the capacity to win elections in his constituency even if TDP did not give him ticket but would ask them to vote not out of their admiration for him but by seeing the virtues of a true leader in Mr. Naidu and realising the need to have him in the saddle in the larger public interest.

Janmabhoomi panels

Appreciating the CM’s qualities, Mr. Reddy gently cautioned him for over-indulging in teleconferences and introducing Janmabhoomi committees which, he believed, were doing more harm than good to the party.

Mr. Reddy said he enjoyed a close rapport with Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy who, he recalled, used to say Jagan Mohan Reddy was stubborn like his grandfather Raja Reddy and would not pay heed to good advice offered by elders and well-wishers. He accused Mr. Jagan of colluding with the BJP to deal a blow to the TDP and having huge amounts of cash in his coffers.