Former chief minister and Jai Samaikyandhra Party president N Kiran Kumar Reddy has not just opted out of contest in the elections, but has also decided to quit politics altogether, sources close to him said.
Kiran took the decision, apparently peeved at losing support from his close associates and colleagues, most of whom switched loyalties to TDP, YCP or others. He would stay away from active politics, but would play behind the screen role in the form of a movement to fight for united Andhra Pradesh, sources said.
In fact, Kiran’s Jai Samaikyandhra Party seems to be a non-starter as it does not have senior leaders who jumped to other political parties for greener pastures. Apparently this move has thrown him into a tizzy like situation and perhaps forced him to be away from the active politics.
There are a few factors that might have forced him to be away from the poll arena including that he may not get a thumping majority, electors of Peeleru segment may not extend him same support that he got earlier, his campaign will not fetch votes, JSP has no relevance and Kiran could not convince people in favor of his party and it has a less number of leaders.
Other factor is that two states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh will begin functioning from June 2 when the Appointed Day begins post general elections.
