The sudden revolt among within the TDP in Hindupur of Anantapur district, is said to be linked with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s announcement that his son and party’s national general secretary Lokesh will be inducted into his cabinet very soon. Incidentally, the constituency is represented by Lokesh’s father-in-law and Chandrababu Naidu’s brother-in-law Nandamuri Balakrishna.
Since a long there were accusations of high-handedness against Balakrishna’s personnel assistant Sekhar in Hindupur. But, many in the party wonder that why suddenly now there was a severe revolt and the party high command since a week practically remaining mum with these developments.
According to sources, Balakrishna is himself claiming a berth in the state cabinet and suggesting keep Lokesh away from the government, still he attains `political maturity’. As Lokesh is party’s `future Chief Minister’ face, he has reportedly cautioned Chandrababu Naidu making him minister at this time would have disastrous effect on his `political future’.
Lokesh induction into the cabinet said to be delayed for more than a year only due to Balakrishna’s apprehensions and his strong claim for a cabinet berth as son of N T Rama Rao. Now, many supporters of Balakrishna in the party are of the view that it was only to push Balakrishna into `defensive’, instead of attacking him directly local party leaders were persuaded to stage manage a `revolt’ against his personnel assistant.
“If their grouse is against only Balakrishna’s personnel assistant, first they should move this matter before Balakrishna. If MLA is found adamant, they can approach district ministers or state party leadership. But without following due process organising `revolt meetings’ reveals shows they are only stage managed’, said a former minister.
Though district TDP President B K Parthasarathy and Govt Chief Whip Kaluva Srinivasulu held discussions with dissident group leaders former MLA C C Venkatarayudu and Ambika Lakshmi Narayana, when they met them at a marriage function last night, hardly any serious effort was seen.
By promulgating probationary orders under Section 144 in the entire constituency and keeping Sekhar in house arrest, a curfew like situation was created in the constituency today.