The NDA alliance is facing growing discontent over seat sharing in Tiruvuru and Salur, with TDP leaders challenging allocations to Jana Sena. From a rebel candidate backed by Tiruvuru MLA Kolikapudi Srinivasa Rao to Minister Gummidi Sandhyarani’s appeal for a review in Salur, the disputes are testing the alliance’s unity ahead of the municipal elections.
Tiruvuru TDP MLA Defies Alliance, Backs Rebel Candidate
Tiruvuru MLA Kolikapudi Srinivasa Rao has triggered fresh tensions within the NDA alliance by backing a separate candidate for the municipal elections despite the seat being allotted to Janasena.
As part of the seat-sharing arrangement, Janasena was allotted the Tiruvuru municipality and announced Madhavi as its candidate. The party has also assigned key leaders responsibilities to strengthen its chances of winning.
However, Kolikapudi is reportedly unhappy with the decision. He has questioned why the municipality was allotted to Janasena without consulting local TDP leaders.
Opposing the decision, the MLA has announced Naga Sravani as the TDP-backed candidate for the municipal chairperson’s post. He has also appealed to supporters on social media to join her for nomination filing.
The development has become a talking point in district politics as the nomination deadline approaches. With little time left, the TDP leadership faces the challenge of resolving the dispute and preventing a possible contest between candidates backed by alliance partners.
Kolikapudi has recently been in the media for his political decisions despite warnings from the party leadership. His latest move has once again raised questions about party discipline and coordination within the ruling alliance.
Salur Seat Sharing Triggers TDP Discontent, Minister Sandhyarani Appeals to Leadership
The decision to allot the Salur municipal chairperson post to Janasena has triggered strong resentment among TDP leaders and workers in Parvathipuram Manyam district. The development has also left Minister Gummidi Sandhyarani emotionally distressed as local party leaders demand a review of the alliance’s seat-sharing arrangement.
At a meeting in Salur, Sandhyarani expressed her anguish and urged district in-charge minister Atchannaidu to take the issue to the party leadership. She said TDP leaders had worked hard for years to strengthen the party and win the support of tribal and BC communities. Local workers also argued that Jana Sena had limited influence in the municipality.
The controversy has taken another turn with reports that former TDP councillor Vaikunthapu Harshavardhan married his girlfriend Gulla Manjeera, a BC woman, ahead of the elections. Since the chairperson post is reserved for a BC woman, local discussions suggest that the marriage was linked to his political ambitions. However, the seat allocation to Janasena has reportedly dashed his hopes.
Salur has 32 wards and a population of around 50,000. Despite development projects launched under the coalition government, residents continue to raise concerns over roads, drainage and drinking water.
With both parties discussing their candidates, the dispute has exposed growing tensions within the alliance. TDP workers are urging the leadership to reconsider the allocation before the elections.
