Anantapur: Speculation is rife over at least three ministers in the region preparing to quit the party following dissidence within their own segments against the unilateral decision of state bifurcation.
Although, the ministers were leading the Samaikyandhra agitation as leaders of the Congress, most of them were lobbying for acceptance in TD or YSR Congress.
A minister from Anantapur district received an offer from YSRC, but the party high command offered him an Assembly ticket from another segment.
With lesser chances of winning in the new segment, the minister changed his mind about joining the party.
He is now looking at Telugu Desam as an option.
Sources said that Telugu Desam has assured a party ticket from his own segment in the upcoming general elections.
Two ministers, T. G. Venkatesh and Erasu Prathap Reddy, from Kurnool district are also expected to quit the party after January.
The duo is expected to defect to Telugu Desam.
T.G. Venkatesh, who was leading Rayalaseema Hakkula Vedika, had differences with the CPM over industrial union issues.
Minister Erasuprathap Reddy is also said to have been offered a ticket from Telugu Desam in Kurnool district.
While minister Ganta Sreenivasa Rao was is said to be seeking entry into Telugu Desam.
With Telugu Desam planning to form an alliance with BJP, a senior leader from Congress observed that the Left parties have either to contest on their own or to join YSR Congress party.
Forming an alliance with BJP would increase the distance with the Left parties which will help Kurnool MLA T. G. Venkatesh.
The Samaikyandhra agitation diverted the attention of most ministers and MLAs and even ministers in-charge who have failed to strengthen the party in urban and rural areas.
