A fourth minister has decided to quit the Congress but has not yet made up his mind whether to join the TDP or the new party likely to be floated by Kiran.
Ministers Erasu Pratap Reddy and T G Venkatesh, who had all along been trusted supporters of Kiran, would meet TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu here on February 27 and formally join the party.
Another minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao is also set to return to his parent party this week, TDP sources said.
Ganta Srinivasa Rao who is also expected to follow suit, began his political career in the TDP and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Anakapalli in 1999. He joined the erstwhile Praja Rajyam Party in 2008 and became a minister after it merged with the Congress.
T G Venkatesh also previously served as a TDP MLA, while Erasu has been a Congressman all through.
Another minister Satrucharla Vijaya Rama Raju from Vizianagaram district, has also decided to quit the Congress, but hasn't made up his mind yet about his next step.
Indications are that he may return to the TDP, in the presence of Naidu, at a public rally to be held in Vizianagaram on February 26.
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
