VIJAYAWADA: The Congress got a big shock in AP when former Speaker Nadendla Manohar defected to the Jana Sena. Mr Manohar is the son of former chief minister Nadendla Bhaskar Rao who was instrumental in the formation of Telugu Desam.

Mr Manohar had won from Tenali twice but was keeping a low profile after the defeat in 2014. After discussions with his well-wishers, he decided to go with the Jana Sena. He faxed his resignation to the Congress and left to Tirupati where he met Jana Sena founder K. Pawan Kalyan on Thursday evening. Mr Manohar had only recently met AICC president Rahul Gandhi and discussed strengthening the Congress.





Last year, Mr Manohar was instrumental in organising Mr Rahul Gandhi’s public meeting on Special Category Status at Guntur, but remained inactive otherwise.
After Kerala former chief minister Oommen Chandy became incharge of the AP Congress, Mr Manohar began involving himself in party affairs. According to sources, he sought the APCC president’s post but the high command gave indications that it would persist with Mr N. Raghuveera Reddy.

Jana Sena sources said Mr Manohar and Mr Kalyan were in touch for the past year, and the Jana Sena leader had heeded Mr Manohar’s suggestion regarding the BJP. Mr Manohar spoke with his supporters about the Congress’ winning chances, and they suggested that he switch parties.

Jana Sena sources said Mr Manohar and Mr Kalyan were in touch for the past year, and the Jana Sena leader had heeded Mr Manohar’s suggestion regarding the BJP.

The duo shared a common concern over the absence of political accountability, violation of tribal’s rights, suffering of farmers during land acquisition for projects and difficulties of tenant farmers, which was what brought them together. The Jana Sena does not have many senior leaders, and cadres were hoping that Mr Manohar’s entry wold help boost the party.