How many in line to join BJP in Telangana?

Bharatiya Janata Party in Telangana is gearing up to host on Sunday one of the biggest rallies in Hyderabad in the recent times, as part of its efforts to grow as a strong force in the state ahead of next general elections.

According to party sources, the meeting which will be attended by BJP national working president J P Nadda at the Exhibition Grounds in Nampally, is primarily to attract large number of leaders from various parties.

It is learnt at least a dozen important leaders along with thousands of their followers would join the BJP.

“It is going to be a sort of mini public meeting and will set the stage for potential leaders taking a plunge into the party,” a BJP leader said.

Going by the reports from the BJP leaders so far, most of the leaders would be from the Telugu Desam Party, which has virtually become defunct in the Telangana, besides some important leaders from the Congress who could not get recognition in the party.

“There is no surprise if some disgruntled TRS leaders also join the BJP tomorrow,” the party leader said.

Among those who are likely to join the BJP are: former deputy chief minister Damodar Raja Narasimha along with his wife Padmini, former home minister T Devender Goud along with his son Vikram Goud, former TDP president from Ranga Reddy district Sama Ranga Reddy, former minister Chandrasekhar etc.

It is learnt at least two former MPs from Congress and TDP, besides former MLAs from both the parties are negotiating with the BJP leadership.

“The focus is mostly on prominent leaders from Hyderabad and its surrounding areas, so as to capture power in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation in the next elections,” sources said.