There is a new fire that is engulfing the TDP in Andhra Pradesh these days. Though the elections were held and the results are scheduled to be out on June 4, the TDP has a big issue before it now.The issue was brought forward by senior leader, former MLC, Buddha Venkanna. He wanted the party leadership to remove K Atchannaidu as the party AP unit president and appoint Lokesh in his place. This statement must have hurt Atchannaidu, who believes that he is No 2 in the party after Chandrababu Naidu.
In fact, Atchannaidu had been loyal to the party for several years. The entire Kinjarapu family had been with Chandrababu Naidu for decades. His elder brother K Yerran Naidu was a trusted lieutenant to Chandrababu Naidu in the 1990s. After his death, both Atchennaidu and Yerran Naidu’s son Ramamohan Naidu have been the loyal leaders of the party and Chandrababu Naidu.
It was not advisable to remove Atchannaidu at this point of time. He fought to his best during 2019 and 2024 when the party was in opposition in the state Assembly. He was the voice for the party both in the Assembly and outside. One wonders why Buddha Venkanna took the stand to remove Atchannaidu.Leaving Atchannaidu aside, the question of making Lokesh as the party chief for Andhra Pradesh raises several doubts among the party cadre. Does Lokesh have the strength and leadership qualities to lead the party in the state is a big question. Can he motivate the cadre? Can he guide the leaders are the big questions.
Lokesh contested from Mangalagiri in the 2019 elections and lost the battle. He was MLC from 2017 and was a minister in Chandrababu Naidu’s cabinet. He held two portfolios of Panchayat Raj and IT Department. There is nothing much to claim to his credit either in Panchayat Raj or IT department. He is now contesting from Mangalagiri Assembly constituency.His victory chances could be seen only on June 4. Whether he emerges victorious in the elections or loses again, the question is will he be able to lead the party in the State!
