The recent clashes between leaders of the TDP and the Jana Sena Party in Pithapuram, Kakinada district, over the absence of CM N Chandrababu Naidu’s photograph at an official event appear to have widened the gap between the two parties, at least at the grassroots level.
While the dispute over protocol could have been handled internally, remarks made by Varma, describing Pawan Kalyan as a “non-local,” have intensified tensions and triggered a sharp backlash from the Jana Sena camp, particularly fans of the Mega family.
Varma claimed that he had played a key role in ensuring Pawan Kalyan’s electoral victory in Pithapuram, despite him being a non-local candidate.
The comments drew strong reactions from the “Mega camp,” which hit back on social media platform X.
They questioned Varma’s criticism, pointing out that several prominent leaders — including Nara Lokesh, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Daggubati Purandeswari, C. M. Ramesh, and Sujana Chowdary — have also contested from constituencies outside their native places.
“Lokesh is not from Mangalagiri; Balakrishna is not from Hindupur; Purandeswari is a non-local in Rajahmundry; C. M. Ramesh has no roots in Anakapalli; and Sujana Chowdary does not belong to Vijayawada. Even Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is technically a non-local in Kuppam, as he hails from Chandragiri,” the Mega camp argued.
They further questioned Varma’s authority, noting that he is neither an MLA nor an MLC, and accused him of repeatedly creating unnecessary controversies.
The camp also alleged a deliberate attempt to brand certain leaders as covert supporters of the YSRCP.
“If no disciplinary action is taken against Varma, it could be seen as having the backing of senior TDP leadership, including Chandrababu Naidu and Nara Lokesh,” they said.
The escalating war of words has reportedly put Naidu in an uncomfortable position, prompting him to intervene personally and rein in Varma to prevent further strain in the TDP–Jana Sena alliance.
