The unveiling of the statue of late leader Goutu Lachanna in Nuzvid, Eluru district, has created a stir within the ruling TDP. The party ranks were shocked when former YSRCP minister and then opposition leader Chandrababu Naidu’s house-attacking Jogi Ramesh appeared among the key TDP leaders at the event and interacted with them.
The TDP high command took this development seriously as TDP workers and supporters criticized him severely on social media. TDP National General Secretary and Minister Lokesh instructed the party’s state office in-charge to seek an explanation from Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy and Palasa MLA Gauthu Sirisha, who participated in the event.
However, the party ranks are surprised that Jogi was not asked for an explanation, as former MP Konakalla Narayana had invited him. However, both Parthsarathy and Gauthu Sirish have expressed their apology and stated that they were not aware that Jogi Ramesh was also invited for that event.They assured that such incidents will not be repeated.
The event was organized by Nuzvid Gouda Sangam and it invited leaders from their community, irrespective of parties. Minister Parthasarathi clarified that he did not know in advance that Jogi Ramesh would participate in the Lachanna statue unveiling program. He said that if he had known, he would not have attended.
He said that if the sentiments of TDP workers who admire him were hurt, he apologized to them. He also apologized to leader Chandrababu Naidu. He clarified that he will not do any activities that will harm the party. He said that he will always work to strengthen the TDP and that he will work to strengthen the leadership of Chandrababu and Lokesh.
MLA Gauthu Sirisha also clarified that she did not do anything wrong with the knowledge of Chandrababu’s family and the Telugu Desam Party. She said that the Gowda Sangam had called hir a month ago about the unveiling of his grandfather Gauthu Lachanna’s statue in Nuzvid, but she made a mistake by not knowing who was coming there in advance.
Gannavaram MPP and YSRCP leader Angani Ravi was also present. Along with the TDP leaders, Jogi not only participated in the procession on the vehicle but also sat opposite them on the stage. He is the main accused in the attack on TDP chief Chandrababu’s residence.
Nagani Ravi is a key player in the case of attacking and burning the TDP office in Gannavaram constituency. Party workers expressed their anger, asking what kind of message is being given to the TDP ranks by making such people sit on the stage with them.
