Dissidence may affect TDP poll prospects

TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu has been claiming that the party is emerging stronger and sweep aside all opponents in the coming elections. He has been reiterating this during the public meetings being organised as part of the election campaign. These claims notwithstanding, it appears that a wave of dissidence is sweeping across the party that could threaten its poll prospects following the seat-sharing agreement with the BJP. Naidu had an experience of such dissidence even in the twin Godavari districts where TDP is said to be strong.

At a recent tour of East Godavari district, a TDP Rajya Sabha member had suggested sending Murali Mohan to Rajya Sabha and allotting Rajahmundry seat to the BJP. Though Naidu had reportedly tried to convince Murali Mohan to agree to this proposal, the latter was adamant on contesting for the Rajahmundry LS seat. TDP in-charges of Assembly segments under Rajahmundry Lok Sabha constituency too had supported Murali Mohan. They had reportedly asked whether the BJP would concede four seats in exchange of Rajahmundry LS seat. From Wednesday night, Naidu, who held a series of discussions, is said to have decided to battle it out with the BJP in this regard.