Is the BJP trying to admit former AP state TDP chief Kala Venkat Rao into the party? Is it in talks with the TDP biggie to invite him into the party? The reports from the North Andhra region seem to give nightmares to the TDP top brass.

Highly placed sources say that BJP state president Somu Veerraju is in touch with Kala Venkat Rao. Veerraju held talks twice with Rao and is said to have invited him to join the BJP. He assured that he would be given an honourable position in the party. This has sent alarm bells ringing for the TDP, which is already suffering defections to both the YSRCP and the BJP.

Ever since, Atchen Naidu, a politician much junior to him, was made the AP TDP president, Kala Venkat Rao is deeply unhappy. He is keeping away from party programmes. He is unavailable even to the leaders from his own district. Rao is a strong Turpu Kapu leader and has significant influence in Srikakulam district. His leaving the TDP would be a big blow to the party as he had served as AP unit president for several years.