Defections are normal during elections. But, what Adala Prabhakara Reddy, a businessman, did in Andhra Pradesh has left the TDP and its leader, N Chandrababu Naidu red-faced.
Adala’s quick moves not only boosted his business interests but also helped gain the confidence of the TDP leader for possible nomination as a candidate for the Nellore (Rural) Legislative Assembly seat.
Even as his name was included in the first list of candidates by the TDP, he surfaced in the “Lotus Pond” residence of opposition YSR Congress leader, YS Jagan in Hyderabad and switched loyalties. He was immediately given a ticket to contest from the Nellore Lok Sabha seat by Jagan.
Adala is supposed to have convinced Naidu of his loyalty and got his pending bills of up to ₹40 crores (for contracts executed) cleared. Once the bank alert came that the money is realised, he surfaced in the opposition camp. Naturally, the drama did not amuse Naidu. But Jagan seems to have no qualms.