Even as the YSR Congress Party is asserting that it would field its candidate in the by-election to the Nandyal Assembly constituency, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is riddled with groupism. Kurnool politics have flared up due to the by-election and the squabbling for ticket has reached TDP National president and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s court. Both groups — the Silpa brothers and Bhuma Akhila Priya — are vying for the seat that fell vacant following the death of the latter’s father Bhuma Nagi Reddy. Ms. Akhila Priya was sworn in as Tourism Minister recently. Silpa Mohan Reddy, who contested unsuccessfully against Bhuma Nagi Reddy, is trying to get the ticket at any cost. Mr. Mohan Reddy and his brother Chakrapani Reddy, MLC, arrived at the Secretariat on Wednesday to discuss the issue with Mr. Naidu.
They waited for his audience which did not materialise. Later, the Chief Minister communicated to them to meet him at his residence. Both brothers have been arguing that their group would not have future in the district if they are denied ticket.
Ms. Akhila Priya, however, has come out with the argument that generally such a seat is offered to the family members.
In fact, the tradition is that the family member is elected unanimously. Ms. Akhila Priya said, “We expect that tradition will be followed.”
