Kolikapudi’s Third Disciplinary Hearing: Anything Different?

Kolikapudi Srinivasa Rao once represented Amaravati farmers during their protests when Jagan Mohan Reddy tried to shift the capital. His strong voice against farmer harassment made him a known figure, and Chandrababu Naidu rewarded him with a TDP ticket from Tiruvur SC Reserved Seat, which he won in the TDP+ wave.

Since TDP returned to power, Kolikapudi has remained in the spotlight for controversies. His latest issue involves corruption allegations against Vijayawada MP Kesineni Chinni, leading to another disciplinary hearing. The meeting was held at the party’s central office in Mangalagiri and lasted four hours.

Both Kolikapudi and Kesineni Chinni appeared before the committee, headed by TDP state president Palla Srinivasa Rao, with members Konakalla Narayana Rao, Varla Ramaiah, MA Sharif, and Panchumarthi Anuradha. This is Kolikapudi’s third appearance before the committee since 2024.

He first faced the committee in January 2025 over a tribal dispute and farmer-related remarks. The second time was in March 2025 over liquor shop issues. In both instances, no action was taken. Now, party insiders are questioning whether this third hearing will lead to a different outcome.

Chandrababu Naidu’s continued silence is drawing concern among party members. They feel his inaction is damaging TDP’s image in Tiruvur and across Andhra Pradesh. Some believe it’s time for Naidu to suspend Kolikapudi, even if it risks a by-election in the constituency.

There is also speculation that Naidu’s hesitation stems from social sensitivity, as Kolikapudi belongs to an SC community. However, ignoring the issue could make Tiruvur’s politics even more complex. After all, TDP hasn’t won the seat since 2004, and Naidu must decide if he wants history to repeat.