Vijayawada: Unrest seems to be brewing within the TDP in NTR district after five key leaders were left out of the recently announced list of MLC candidates under MLA quota. The leaders, who could not be given tickets in the 2024 elections due to alliance constraints, expected to be nominated as MLCs as compensation. However, the exclusion has left them disheartened, forcing the party high command to step in and manage the situation.
In the 2024 assembly elections, TDP and Jana Sena formed an alliance with the BJP, leading to seat-sharing adjustments. As a result, strong TDP leaders like Vangaveeti Radhakrishna (Vijayawada Central), Devineni Umamaheswara Rao (Mylavaram), Buddha Venkanna (Vijayawada West), Thalashila Raghuram (Jaggayyapet), and MS Baig (Vijayawada West, minority quota) were denied tickets. They were assured of key party roles or MLC positions later.
Speculation was rife that Radhakrishna, a key Kapu leader, and former irrigation minister Devineni Uma would be nominated for the MLC seats. However, political equations again worked against them. Of the five available seats, two were allocated to the BJP-Jana Sena alliance, leaving only three for TDP.
These were ultimately reserved for BC and SC leaders, leaving no room for aspirants from NTR district.
Disappointed supporters of Radhakrishna, Uma, and others vented their frustration on social media, criticising the decision. Sensing potential discord, TDP state president Palla Srinivasa Rao is said to be held discussions with the disgruntled leaders, and assured them of alternative positions in the party. Devineni Uma later said he never aspired for any positions. “Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu is on a mission to rebuild Andhra Pradesh. I never aspired for positions but will accept any responsibility given by the party with full commitment,” he said.
