Can Telangana TDP retain leaders with this strategy?

The Telangana TDP is almost becoming empty with its many leaders switching their loyalties to the TRS and others are contemplating to quit the party. Out of 15 MLAs, 10 MLAs have bid adieu to the TDP and joined the TRS in the recent times. Following the debacle in the recent GHMC elections, local leaders of the TDP have been highly disappointed and eyeing for a mass exodus to the TRS.

It seems the Telangana TDP is planning a strategy to stop defections. The buzz in the TDP circles is that the party high command has decided to give a monthly salary to the leaders who are working for the party to encourage them and stop defections.

From village level, mandal, district headquarters to the state level, all the TDP leaders may get salaries depending upon their positions in the party. Salaries may be anywhere between Rs 5,000 and 40,000. Sources say that incentives will be given to state-level leaders who go on political tours. It is learnt that the Village level leaders would be paid in the range of Rs 4000 and 5000 while district-level leaders will get Rs 10,000-20,000 per month.

It remains to be seen if this strategy will work out and TDP will regain its fortunes in the state.

By G Anjali