Vijayawada: Ending speculations over his move to join YSR Congress Party, the former president of Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) Botcha Satyanarayana, made up his mind to quit Congress and join the new party only after Y S Jaganmohan Reddy concludes his two-day protest at Mangalagiri.

The former APCC chief had met some senior Congress leaders here on Sunday and briefed them on his decision to quit the party and join YSR Congress. He also had lunch in the residence of a senior leader before leaving to Ongole. During his brief stay, Botcha held discussions with the party leaders and explained them the reasons behind his decision.

It is said that Botcha Satyanarayana had explained to the leaders that the Congress in the State was unable to counter the ruling Telugu Desam and also failed to win the public confidence, particularly after State bifurcation. He categorically stated that people have lost confidence in the Congress and it would be not so easy for any leader to revive.

“We have been struggling to revive the party for the past one year. We have also tried to expose Chandrababu Naidu’s failure. But, people have lost faith in us. It is difficult to reach out to the people from Congress,” Botcha reportedly told the party leaders justifying his decision to quit the Congress. The former APCC chief was not joining the YSR Congress during the deeksha of the party chief at Mangalagiri, as expected.