Even as TDP MP CM Ramesh’s indefinite fast against the Centre entered its tenth day, there was an embarrassment in store for some members of the party after a video of them joking about the protest went viral on social media.
The video shows Avanthi Srinivas, Murali Mohan, Kesineni Srinivas and Galla Jayadev, along with other TDP MPs, discussing and joking about the protest against the Centre over the Kadapa steel plant.
TDP MP Avanthi Srinivas can be seen saying "No zone, nothing will happen (Jonu ledu geenu ledu)”, apparently referring to the Railway Zone in the state of Andhra. MP Murali Mohan can be seen saying "If I get a chance, even I want to reduce 5 kgs," in an apparent joke about the indefinite fast.
The MPs seen in the video were quick to dismiss it.
While Murali Mohan could not be reached, Avanthi Srinivas, speaking to TNM, alleged that the video which has surfaced is "fabricated.” When asked if the visuals of them were from the meeting held in Delhi, the MP claimed that the visuals were taken from their Delhi meeting but the audio has been fabricated.
“We have filed a complaint with intelligence authorities. Officials have told us that it was fabricated and they are investigating to find out who is behind it,” he said.
The Opposition in Andhra Pradesh has questioned the ruling party over its commitment towards the state.
The 23-second long video is being circulated on Twitter and is drawing flak from users, with many of them taking potshots at the TDP.
New year resolutions
— r K b a n d a r u (@rk_bandaru99) June 28, 2018
Others : Gym
TDP MPs : Deeksha#TDPTimePassDeekshalu pic.twitter.com/3V2WhRet9U
TDP Cheating AP People
— Always (@Always_Bharath) June 28, 2018
It's Shame we Elected dis type of Leaders...#TDPTimePassDeekshalu pic.twitter.com/bClzai6oJO
Thinking about WEIGHT LOSS, the you can join TDP work shops, the most dishonest LOT pic.twitter.com/z1c7dzbQ0Y
— VSRIDHAR (@venkatasrid) June 28, 2018
Whoa! Great fighting, sir
— SocialSaint (@isocialsaint) June 29, 2018
Appudapudu rest theesukondi, Sir. Meerantha kastapaduthunte chudaleka pothunam pic.twitter.com/ev3KIcKJsP
TDP MP Galla Jayadev, who was also seen in the video clip, has hit out at Opposition parties, YSRCP and Jana Sena Party.
While we fight for AP rights, incl Kadapa Steel Plant.. Jagan/Pawan, who have been surprisingly silent on this issue, are busy circulating a 20s video clip to derail our efforts, and to divert attention.. Instead of fighting with Modi-Shah Regime, they are working hand-in-glove.
— Jay Galla (@JayGalla) June 29, 2018
Taking to Twitter, he said, "While we fight for AP rights, incl. Kadapa Steel Plant.. Jagan/Pawan, who have been surprisingly silent on this issue, are busy circulating a 20s video clip to derail our efforts, and to divert attention.. Instead of fighting with Modi-Shah Regime, they are working hand-in-glove."