Is the TDP heading towards a leadership crisis in Andhra Pradesh?

TDP faces leadership void post Naidu's arrest; Lokesh, Brahmani seen as possible successors. Though Naidu commands respect, his arrest has left void in TDP. Lokesh seen as heir apparent, but reservations exist. Brahmani, daughter-in-law of Naidu & grandchild of NTR, seen as possible leader. She is young, educated & has made mark in private dairy. May play key role in 2024 elections.

After the arrest of Telugu Desam Party national president N. Chandrababu Naidu by the A.P. CID in the alleged skill development scam case, there seems to be a void on the leadership front in the four-decade-old party.

Though the TDP had been founded by actor-turned-politician N.T. Rama Rao, popularly known as NTR, it was Mr. Naidu who was at the helm for the last three decades. He had also served as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for three terms, twice in the composite State.

Mr. Naidu commands respect among the party cadres and MLAs, and has also the reputation of being a tall leader in the national political scenario.

But post his arrest, the void is evident, and there is an element of worry seeping through the rank and file of the party, though the leaders brush it aside saying that Mr. Naidu will come out unscathed and will lead them again.

“Yes, Mr. Naidu is like a fatherly figure for us, and we are ready to do anything for him. But, we deny that there is a leadership crisis, as ours is a cadre-based party with a well-entrenched Polit Bureau. It is unlike the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), where Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy alone calls the shots,” say several TDP leaders.

Many senior leaders share the same opinion, but when the thought of uncertainty surrounding Mr. Naidu’s release from custody comes to mind, they shirk from giving an assertive statement on who would lead the party in his absence.

Even if Mr. Naidu wriggles out of the case, the CID is ready to corner him in a few more cases such as the Amaravati land issue, Punganur violence, FiberNet and the Inner Ring Road project.