YSRCP set to re-establish base in Telangana

Hyderabad, Jan 2 (INN): Portrayed as the anti-Telangana party by the TRS and other groups, the YSR Congress Party is all set to make a comeback in Telangana region with the entry of Siasat News Editor Amer Ali Khan into the party.

Jagan appears to have played a master-stroke on Thursday after convincing Amer to join the party. Amer Ali Khan enjoys a strong say within the Muslim community, especially in Telangana region.

He also enjoys the image of a young, highly-educated and widely travelled journalist. His association with the YSRCP would boost the image of Jagan not only among the Muslim circles, but also in the entire Telangana region.

Amer Ali Khan's entry also sealed the chances of Jagan joining the BJP-led alliance at the Centre. "YSRCP is the only secular party. While the TDP is moving ahead to forge an alliance with the BJP, the TRS leaders have shared the dais with the BJP leaders in the past.

People are tired of Congress party. Therefore, the only secular party in the State now is the YSRCP," he told reporters after joining the party at Jagan's residence at Lotus Pond on Thursday evening.

Therefore, he effectively played a stroke to prevent the entry of BJP into Andhra Pradesh. This move may also prove to be a setback for some leaders like Rayapati Sambasiva Rao and Lagadapati Rajagopal who are planning to contest the next elections on BJP ticket.

Amer Ali Khan is also not worried about Jagan's anti-Telangana image. "When Delhi-born Aam Admi Party can contest elections in Andhra Pradesh and others parts of the country, then why YSRCP cannot contest elections in Telangana?" he asked.

This development is bound to give a major shock to the Siasat's arch-rivals Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leaders. Amer Ali Khan's entry into YSRCP has sealed their options of having an alliance with Jagan in future.

The MIM has already strained its relationship with the Congress party. It could not join hands with the TDP due to its proximity with the BJP. Its opposition to Telangana would prevent the Telangana Rashtra Samithi from coming closer to it and now Amer Ali Khan's move had led the MIM into isolation.

A MBA graduate, who also holds a degree in journalism from Osmania University, has stunned the political circles in Andhra Pradesh with his surprise move. Now it needs to be seen how Amer Ali Khan carries forward his journey into active politics.