Union Petroluem Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited Hyderabad and met two to three top influential persons as part of BJP’s Sampark Abhiyan. This is to secure support from like-minded stalwarts in different states to Modi decisions on Article 370, Kashmir reorganisation, etc. Pradhan visited the residence of Andhra Jyothi Managing Director Vemuri Radhakrishna and held an hour-long meeting with him. Prior to 2014, Amit Shah made similar visit to Ramoji Rao and Ravi Prakash.

The Pradhan-RK meet triggered widespread speculation that all is set for Radhakrishna’s total turn to support BJP in Telangana. If it happened, it is expected to give a big boost for BJP. Right now, the party is clearly facing the disadvantage for lack of expected media support while KCR is taking complete advantage in this regard.

For Radhakrishna also, there seems to be lesser choices to ignore BJP’s gesture. The TDP has lost its grip in Telangana while CM KCR has given enough troubles by banning ABN in the past. For various reasons, RK is not going soft on TRS and not reviving old friendship with KCR. BJP has taken this advantage now. RK is also thinking of taking support from the Central government as his media group is being financially crushed by Jagan Regime in Andhra by not giving any advertisements.