TDP’s flip-flops put filial bonds to test

TDP's candidate selection surprises and disappointments in Tirupati district families spark political discussions and heartburn.

When there are more aspirants within a family, and the party leadership springs a surprise by choosing the less likely, it often leaves a bitter feeling, if not causing heartburn, within the family.

The TDP’s flip-flop over naming a candidate and subsequently issuing B-Forms in favour of another in the family has become a point of discussion in political circles.

In several instances, the pary leadership gave a ‘sudden twist’, leading to disappointment in the candidate who has already covered enough ground in the constituency.

For instance, Kurugondla Lakshmi Sai Priya, daughter of two-time MLA Kurugondla Ramakrishna, was initially named as the candidate for Venkatagiri Assembly constituency in Tirupati district.

Though a newcomer to politics, she actively participated in ‘Yuva Galam’, the party general secretary Nara Lokesh’s statewide walkathon, and got into his good books. In fact, she vigorously campaigned for herself until the last moment, when the party unexpectedly issued the B-Form to her father.

In Kadapa district’s Kamalapuram, party veteran Putha Narasimha Reddy has suffered defeat four times. This time, the party chose his son, Putha Chaitanya Reddy, a newcomer with a tough debut.

Kadapa district President Reddeppagari Srinivasa Reddy aspired to bag the Kadapa LS seat, but the party strategically gave the Kadapa Assembly ticket to his spouse, R. Madhavi Reddy. The move is viewed not only as an attempt to mollify the ruffled feelings in the family but also as a way to polarise the Hindu votes and neutralise the impact of 60,000 minority votes in the segment.