Leaders from TDP and Jana Sena have expressed concerns that admitting YSRCP defectors who have harassed and harmed their cadres could be a grave mistake. They warn that such moves might damage the TDP-Jana Sena alliance’s credibility and long-term survival.
Published Dec 26, 2024 | 2:22 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 26, 2024 | 2:22 PM
Chandrababu Naidu with Pawan Kalyan. (X)
Following the YSRCP’s electoral disaster in the Assembly elections earlier this year, party leaders are feverishly attempting to change their allegiances.
Many are trying to align with the Jana Sena camp, while others are seeking opportunities with the TDP. However, both parties remain wary of these developments, as their respective cadres are opposing the entry of defectors.
In Nellore, for instance, nine corporators, and in Eluru, 11 corporators from the YSRCP have already joined the TDP. These defections occurred two months ago, but controversy surrounds them as cadres supporting these defectors are allegedly involved in illegal businesses such as sand quarrying.
Some TDP members claim that YSRCP leaders, who engaged in illegal activities during their time in power from 2019 to 2024, continue their misconduct even after joining the TDP.
“They are continuing to plunder the state’s resources. Encouraging such elements is not in the interests of the party,” said N Ravikumar, a TDP leader from Eluru, speaking to South First.
Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas, better known as Alla Nani, a former Deputy Chief Minister and YSRCP leader from Eluru, is reportedly attempting to join the TDP. While party supremo N Chandrababu Naidu initially gave his assent, he has since put the matter on hold following opposition from local TDP leaders. Dissatisfied TDP cadres have expressed their discontent on social media regarding the party’s willingness to entertain YSRCP leaders.
Meanwhile, former YSRCP minister Balineni Srinivasa Reddy, known for a controversial past, has recently joined the Jana Sena. In one incident, he was accused of assaulting a woman for refusing to chant “Jai YSRCP,” leaving her severely injured. His supporters reportedly also attacked the hospital where she was admitted.
Facing investigations into allegations of corruption, Balineni is said to have joined the Jana Sena as a safe haven. Using his connections, he reportedly lobbied Pawan Kalyan to secure his position within the party. A TDP MLA from the Prakasam district criticised Balineni’s move, describing it as an attempt to escape the repercussions of his past actions.
Similarly, former Jaggayyapet MLA and YSRCP leader Samineneni Udaya Bhanu, accused of land encroachment during his party’s tenure, initially sought to join the TDP but faced resistance from local cadres. He subsequently joined the Jana Sena, reportedly as a last resort.
Local Jana Sena leaders have questioned Pawan Kalyan’s decision to admit him, noting that Udaya Bhanu appears to have resumed profiting from land dispute settlements. This has caused internal rifts within the party, with factions arguing against his entry.
Leaders from TDP and Jana Sena have expressed concerns that admitting YSRCP defectors who have harassed and harmed their cadres could be a grave mistake. They warn that such moves might damage the TDP-Jana Sena alliance’s credibility and long-term survival.
“A few leaders who harassed TDP and Jana Sena workers for five years are now queuing up to join the same parties to avoid facing consequences for their actions. This could backfire politically. Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan must be cautious when making such decisions,” said TDP Media Cell Coordinator, Bollas Sateesh Babu, speaking to South First.
A senior TDP MLA from East Godavari believes that YSRCP leaders who lost elections are joining the TDP with ulterior motives. He warned that they could act as moles and foster a subgroup of YSRCP sympathisers within the TDP, remaining loyal to former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. “This strategy is ominous. The sooner Chandrababu Naidu realises it, the better for the party,” he cautioned.
Similarly, political analyst Jammula Choudarayya from Rajamahendravaram echoed these sentiments, advising the NDA coalition to exercise caution. Speaking to South First, he said: “Allowing YSRCP defectors into the TDP and Jana Sena might cause dissatisfaction among the cadres. While the public might approve of the coalition government, internal divisions within the parties could become a significant issue. Chandrababu Naidu needs to address this grey area with attention to party dynamics.”
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
