Discontent is said to be simmering within the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) following the latest organisational reshuffle, with several long-time leaders reportedly unhappy over the dominance of new entrants; particularly those with questionable backgrounds.
An analytical report in a popular magazine suggests that the influence of Nara Lokesh and his close associates is becoming increasingly visible, not only in government decisions but also in key party appointments.
The report questions the criteria and standards used in selecting members for the newly constituted national and state executive bodies.
Traditionally, TDP president and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been known to assign party positions based on a mix of loyalty, administrative ability, grassroots connect, and the capacity to defend the party politically.
“Naidu used to hold extensive consultations, internal discussions, and strategic evaluations before announcing party committees. This time, that practice appears to have been completely set aside,” the report noted.
According to the analysis, decisions were made without broad-based consultations and were allegedly confined to a small circle operating from the party’s central office.
The criteria for key positions reportedly included participation in Lokesh’s Yuva Galam padayatra, active involvement in party campaigns, and the ability to mobilise financial resources.
Names such as Kilari Rajesh, Bhashyam Praveen, Kesineni Chinni, and Sana Satish; who do not have a long association with the party; have reportedly been given prominent posts due to their proximity to Lokesh.
The report also pointed out that several recent defectors from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) have been accommodated in key roles, with their financial strength seen as a major factor.
This has reportedly led to growing unease within party ranks. However, there has been no open dissent so far, as the party is currently in power and leaders appear reluctant to project internal divisions.
“These developments suggest that the party is gradually transitioning from Naidu’s leadership to Lokesh’s. With new power centres emerging, there is a risk of alienating long-time loyalists in the coming years,” the report concluded.
