bickerings in TDP to the fore VASIREDDY RAVICHANDRA

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is grappling with internal discord ahead of the official announcement of seat-sharing arrangements, with followers of TDP senior leader and former Minister Alapati Rajendra Prasad expressing dissatisfaction over reports suggesting that the Tenali Assembly seat may be allocated to the Jana Sena Party (JSP).
While the seat-sharing process between TDP and JSP is still underway, political sources indicate that the Tenali Assembly seat is likely to be part of the alliance, with JSP Political Committee chairman Nadendla Manohar being the prospective candidate. This development has stirred controversy within the TDP, particularly as Alapati Rajendra Prasad, a senior TDP leader, has aspirations to contest from the Tenali constituency, which has traditionally been a stronghold for the TDP.
The possibility of the Tenali Assembly seat going to JSP has triggered unrest among Alapati Rajendra Prasad’s followers, who gathered at his residence to express their displeasure. Some even threatened to leave the TDP if Alapati Raja is denied a ticket for the upcoming elections. A previous incident involved an ardent follower attempting self-immolation at a public meeting in response to rumours about Tenali being allocated to JSP.
While Alapati Raja refrained from commenting on the Tenali seat allocation, he tried to pacify and reassure his followers, emphasizing that clarity on seat-sharing arrangements would be provided on February 8. He assured them that he would discuss the matter with Chandrababu Naidu after that date and urged his followers to remain patient.
Despite these efforts, Alapati Raja’s followers remain adamant, expressing their unwillingness to concede the Tenali seat to the JSP. There are also speculations regarding the possible allocation of Guntur West or Narasaraopet Assembly seats to the JSP, further intensifying dissatisfaction among TDP leaders and activists.
As the TDP navigates the challenge of finalising seat-sharing arrangements, political analysts observe that mollifying disgruntled activists poses a significant challenge for TDP leaders. The party is confronted with internal dissent over the allocation of seats to the JSP before an official agreement has been reached.