Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy joined BJP surprising everyone. Considered a staunch Congressman, Kiran Kumar Reddy’s family has more than six decades of association with Congress. His father Amarnath Reddy was also a senior Congress leader. Kiran served as the last CM of united AP, earning an indelible place for himself in the history books. Now his joining of BJP has made heads turn.
Kiran Kumar Reddy served as CM of united AP, during the most troubled times. Though Congress High Command decided to divide the state, he staunchly opposed formation of Telangana. He even raised revolt against Sonia Gandhi and quit the party protesting against the state’s division. Though he set up Jai Samaikyandhra Party and contested polls in 2014, did not succeed. Since then he has stayed away from limelight and became completely inactive.
Now after a gap of almost nine years, he has joined BJP. Though Kiran Kumar Reddy does not have a mass fan following, he still has an image and ability to attract voters in some pockets. Moreover he has stature as a former CM of a big state. So BJP is trying to make an impact in AP, where it has negligible presence, through KIran Kumar Reddy.