The absence of as many as 15 MLAs, including senior actor and Hindupur legislator Nandamuri Balakrishna at the extended meeting of the Telugu Desam Party at its central office at Mangalagiri on Sunday angered party president and chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
The meeting was aimed at chalking out the future course of action of the party, including reaching out to the people to campaign the government’s achievements in the last one year and explain to them the future programmes.
But several important leaders played truant at the crucial meeting.
Of the invited leaders, 56 failed to attend, including 15 MLAs, including: Palle Sindhura, Bhuma Akhila Priya, Tangirala Soumya, Gouthu Shirisha, Vasantha Krishna Prasad, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Velagapudi Ramakrishna, Pithani Satyanarayana, Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy, Thurigundla Ramakrishna, Gorantla Buchaiah Chowdary, Gummanur Jayaram, Kakarla Suresh, Aravind Babu, Nallari Kishore Kumar Reddy, Kotla Surya Prakash Reddy, Muppidi Venkateswara Rao and Songa Roshan Kumar.
Besides, Visakhapatnam MP Mathukumilli Bharat, Vizianagaram MP K Appala Naidu (MP) and Bapatla MP T Krishna Prasad also did not attend the meeting. Some were said to be on religious visits and some others were on a foreign tour.
Expressing anger and disappointment, Naidu questioned whether the MLAs were more committed to personal programs than party responsibilities. He did not mince words in reprimanding the absent lawmakers.
"If some of you can’t attend a party’s strategic meeting, what work will you do for your constituencies? Those who prefer frequent foreign tours may as well remain there permanently," he said.
Naidu noted that he had received a list of those who came, those who left after signing, and those who remained until the end of the meeting.
He also pointed out that the party has information on who booked tickets to attend events like TANA (Telugu Association of North America) and ATA (American Telugu Association).
Naidu issued pointed warnings to such MPs and MLAs and said keeping away from the people will result in political irrelevance.
“Lawmakers must change their work style and remain among the masses. Only then will they have a future in politics,” he said.
He emphasized that the party will now track MLA participation more rigorously, including review meetings and campaign involvement.
He also ordered that ministers remain in their constituencies for at least a month and will be exempted from review meetings in light of the upcoming door-to-door campaign.
Naidu expressed deep concern over a section of legislators who were either not serious in their responsibilities or encouraging only a close circle around them.
“People are watching. If MLAs don’t deliver, they cannot expect to win again. If you follow my advice, you’ll succeed; if not, it’s your loss."
He also wanted that the MPs and MLAs must remain in constant contact with them and reward the most committed with roles and recognition.
"If you have any issue, come talk to me personally. Don’t speak outside. Message me if it’s urgent—I’ll respond immediately. No one else gives you the time and respect I do. Don’t misuse it,” he warned.
