TDP ends suspense, names Madhusudan Naidu Punganur in-charge

Tirupati: Ending the suspense over its Punganur leadership, the TDP appointed Y Madhusudan Naidu as the party’s constituency incharge replacing Challa Ramachandra Reddy. TDP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao announced Madhusudan Naidu’s appointment on Saturday, putting an end to the prolonged uncertainty over the post.

The party has been working to strengthen its organisation in Punganur and Thamballapalle, the two constituencies in the erstwhile Chittoor district represented by YSRCP MLAs, ahead of the upcoming local body elections.

Madhusudan Naidu is the son of former sarpanch Y Bhaskar Naidu of Metimanda in Irikipenta panchayat of Somala mandal. He is considered close to TDP general secretary and Minister Nara Lokesh and is involved in the real estate business in Bengaluru.

Before the 2024 Assembly elections, former TTD board member Challa Ramachandra Reddy of Rompicherla was appointed as the TDP incharge for Punganur and was later announced as the party’s candidate by TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu. He lost the election to YSRCP candidate Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy by around 5,000 votes.

Over the past year, the TDP has focused on expanding its presence in the constituency. Several local leaders, including Punganur councillors, a Pulicherla ZPTC member and MPTC members, joined the party. Government and party programmes have also been conducted in the constituency.

Meanwhile, differences emerged within the local TDP leadership, with a section of leaders seeking a change in the constituency incharge. They made several attempts and met leaders like Pileru MLA Nallari Kishore Kumar Reddy, Palamaneru MLA N Amarnath Reddy and even Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Minister Lokesh and Palla Srinivas on several occasions to present their case.Complaints were reportedly submitted to the party leadership over clashes at a recent TDP meeting in Tirupati held in the presence of ministers BC Janardhan Reddy and Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy and party observer Damacharla Satya. Against this backdrop, the party leadership decided to change the constituency in-charge. Though several others were also reportedly interested in the post, the party leadership eventually favoured Madhusudan Naidu.

Chandrababu Naidu reportedly held discussions with Challa Ramachandra Reddy and Madhusudan Naidu at his residence in Amaravati a couple of days ago and clarified the decision to change the constituency incharge. Following the announcement, Madhusudan Naidu’s supporters celebrated at several places by bursting firecrackers and distributing sweets.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pradeep Vennelakanti

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