Thota, a Kapu leader from East Godavari district, joined the yellow brigade in the presence of TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu.
He is the sixth minister of the erstwhile Kiran KumarReddy Cabinet from Seemaandhra region to have quit the Congress in recent days.
About two dozen Congress MLAs from Seemaandhra have also jumped over to the TDP in recent days, protesting the bifurcation of the state.
Another former colleague of Kiran, D L Ravindra Reddy of Kadapa district, also met Chandrababu here today.
The former ministers said only Chandrababu has the 'vision' and the ability to develop (residuary) Andhra Pradesh into a golden state.
Meanwhile, the senior-most Congress legislator J C Diwakar Reddy of Anantapuram district is also set to join the TDP.
Another former minister S Sailajanath, who has been appointed the vice-president of Kiran Kumar's new party Jai Samaikyaandhra, is now having second thoughts and is expected to switch over to the TDP.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
