Hyderabad: Former minister and senior TDP leader Khaleel Basha has joined YSRCP. Basha is from Kadapa district. Along with Kadapa MLA Amzad Basha, he me YSRCP chief YS Jagamohan Reddy at his Lotus Pond residence and joined the party. This will further strengthen the party in Kadapa district and moreso getting support of minorities, said a senior leader.

Khaleel Basha said that he wants to see YS Jaganmohan Reddy as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh. “YSRCP is the only party that’s working for the welfare of minorities and other suppressed sections of the society,” said Basha.

During the past three months, several senior leaders and officials joined YSRCP. Recently, TDP MLA Meda Mallikarjuna Reddy formally joined the party. Former MLAs Dommeti Venkateshwarlu, Abdul Gani, Anam Ramanarayana Reddy and retired DIG C Esuratnam joined YSRCP.

On the other hand, rumours are making rounds that some senior leaders may leave YSRCP. Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy has recently ruled out quitting YSRCP. Speculation is rife over the party ticket denial may force Mekapati to leave YSRCP. Citing the reason of survey reports, which were against Mekapati, YS Jaganmohan Reddy denied tickets to Mekapati brothers, according to the unconfirmed sources. However, Mekapati brother condemned these reports and said they would continue with YSRCP.