Marthi Subrahmanyam
As anticipated, the much-expected departure of TDP MP Kesineni Srinivas, also known as Nani, from the party has become a reality. Over the past few months, Nani has been openly at odds with the TDP leadership, culminating in his decision to quit the party.
Political analysts foresaw Nani’s exit from the TDP, and their predictions have materialized. The internal conflicts between Nani and Naidu have come to the forefront.
“A self-goal by Kesineni Nani—that’s what his exit from the TDP seems to be. He should not have opposed the TDP leadership, especially Naidu,” commented a senior TDP leader.
While TDP MP Kesineni Nani had initially earned a reputation as an undisputed and honest politician, he later became a controversial figure within the TDP.
With Nani’s departure, the TDP is now left with only two Lok Sabha members. Nani, although not known for charisma or eloquence, had built a reputation for being accessible to the people.
“Kesineni Nani never maintained cordial relations with local leaders. His disagreements and criticisms against local leaders, especially those fighting against YSRCP leaders’ atrocities in Tiruvuru, demoralized TDP leaders,” remarked another senior TDP leader.
Moreover, Kesineni was noted for praising YSRCP leaders, causing discomfort among local TDP leaders. He consistently urged the TDP high command to grant tickets to leaders he recommended. Notably, Kesineni Nani did not attend the TDP’s significant event, ‘Mahanadu.’
While TDP senior leaders, including Atchannaidu and Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, participated in Nara Lokesh’s padayatra, Kesineni chose to abstain. He was also absent from the NTR centenary celebrations. These events collectively hinted at Kesineni’s mental state.
“Kesineni seems to consider himself above the party. If he couldn’t endure the TDP, where leaders are acknowledged by Chandrababu Naidu, how can he thrive in the YSRCP, where Jagan Reddy is known for not granting appointments to just any leader?” questioned a senior leader. It was suggested that Chandrababu Naidu’s patience and accessibility to all leaders set him apart, drawing a comparison to YS Rajasekhar Reddy’s loyalty to the Congress high command during his tenure as the CM of combined AP state, as recalled by an analyst.
In the Vijayawada Lok Sabha constituency, Kesineni garnered 30,679 votes, while the seven MLA candidates secured a total of 5,44,819 votes in their respective constituencies.
