The Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government in Andhra Pradesh is reportedly preparing to replace Advocate General Dammalapati Srinivas, following weeks of criticism and coordinated campaigns against him by certain sections of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) cadre.
Over recent weeks, several TDP supporters launched an online and offline campaign accusing the Advocate General of allegedly acting in ways favourable to political rivals on various legal matters. Booklets criticising his decisions were also circulated on social media platforms.
Party sources claim that even at the time of his appointment, TDP general secretary and minister Nara Lokesh had raised objections. However, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu had upheld the appointment for varied internal reasons.
According to sources, the Naidu government may appoint a new Advocate General either by the end of this year or early next year. Sources close to the developments indicate that Dammalapati Srinivas is prepared to step down from the post.
However, there are also reports that Dammalapati is seriously lobbying for a Rajya Sabha seat or an MLC position, in the event of he being replaced as Advocate General in the coming days.
The TDP had earlier sent former legal cell head Kanakameda Ravindra Kumar to the Rajya Sabha. Dammalapati is said to be seeking a similar gesture.
If Dammalapati is dropped from the advocate general post, at least two contenders are in race for the same post – one is senior advocate Unnam Muralidhar Rao and another is P Raghuram.
Muralidhar Rao, who is believed to be closely associated with Minister Nara Lokesh, is viewed as the frontrunner. A formal decision from the Andhra Pradesh government is expected soon amid rising internal pressure.
