Naidu evasive on admitting YSRC MLAs into TDP

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu today remained evasive on the issue of admitting some MLAs of the opposition YSR Congress into his party but said there was need for “political consolidation” in the state.

Speaking over the issue at a press conference here, he said “like-minded people” could join hands with his party.

“There is a need for political consolidation. We want to strengthen our party up to the village level and our leaders are working actively on this,” the Telugu Desam Party chief said.

On reports that YSRC MLAs, Bhuma Nagi Reddy and his daughter Akhila, were ready to jump sides, Naidu said, “You speculate. We act.”

Asked about his meeting with Deputy Chief Minister K E Krishna Murthy and other leaders from Kurnool district on the issue, he laughed it away saying “Is it?”

Naidu also refused to comment on Opposition leader Y S Jaganmohan Reddy’s claim that he could pull down the TDP government with the support of 21 ruling party legislators.

“Should I comment on this,” he asked.

A couple of days ago, YSRC President Jaganmohan Reddy had said in Hyderabad that at least 21 MLAs were needed in addition to his party’s 67 legislators to topple the Naidu Government.

“I will inform you first when I have that numbers,” Jagan had told mediapersons after a meeting with the Governor.