Kolikapudi Srinivas, the first-time MLA from Tiruvuru in NTR district, entered the Assembly with a controversial image. He supported the TDP and the Amaravati movement while in the Opposition, but after the party came to power in 2024, he turned into a constant problem for the leadership.
The party summoned him before the Disciplinary Committee three times. His appearances came in January 2025 for a tribal dispute and farmer remarks, in March for liquor shop issues, and in November for a feud with MP Kesineni Chinni. Each episode pushed him deeper into trouble.
Even though Kolikapudi crossed limits long ago, Chandrababu Naidu has held back on strict action. Kolikapudi belongs to the SC community, and any action risks political backlash in Tiruvuru and across the state, especially if it leads to a by-election.
Meanwhile, Kesineni Chinni opened a separate office in Tiruvuru and now functions independently. The MLA’s influence in the constituency has weakened. Whatever he does, the MP faction mirrors it. If the MLA distributes CMRF cheques, the MP group gives the same cheques to the same beneficiaries. Even party programmes are held separately.
After his third appearance before the committee, Kolikapudi stayed quiet for a short time. Many thought the tension had eased. But he soon returned to his usual tone and reopened the conflict.
At a recent event, he claimed that some people were spreading false propaganda against him. He said even voters who did not support him now feel an MLA should behave like him. He credited Chandrababu and the people for his victory.
He then made harsh remarks, saying some people tried to make him sit down the same way Sarpanches and ZPTCs were made to sit down. He warned that he would peel the skins of those who targeted him. His comments shocked the crowd and showed he has no intention of changing.
People now wonder what his plan is. Is he pushing the party to suspend him so he can join the YSR Congress? The idea makes little sense because no one would join an Opposition party with more than three years left for elections. And if this is his plan, why would he still praise Chandrababu Naidu?
