Date: August 27, 2024

Naidu Eyes Revival: Plans to Strengthen TDP in Telangana

As the political landscape in Telangana heats up, Chandrababu Naidu, the national president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister, has set his sights on reactivating and strengthening his party in Telangana. With the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections approaching, Naidu is ramping up efforts to bring the TDP back into the fold after years of dormancy in the state.

Naidu Focus on Strengthening TDP in Telangana

At a recent meeting held at the NTR Trust Bhavan in Hyderabad, Naidu engaged with the TDP leaders of Telangana. He discussed a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the party, which includes focusing on the enrollment of new party members. Naidu reassured the party’s loyal leaders that their hard work would be recognized, and they would be given priority in the party’s future growth.

This announcement comes shortly after Naidu’s meeting with Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, which left political analysts speculating about its broader implications. The meeting, coupled with Naidu’s plans to reactivate the TDP in Telangana, signals the party’s intention to regain its influence in the state’s political arena.

Party Restructuring and Leadership Changes

As part of his strategy, Naidu dissolved all existing party panels in Telangana, emphasizing the need to restructure the organization. This includes appointing a new state president following the resignation of Kasani Gnaneswar last year, who left the party after its decision not to contest the 2023 Assembly elections.

Given that backward classes (BC) make up approximately 50% of Telangana’s population, the TDP leadership is reportedly keen on appointing a BC leader as the new state president. Under this new leadership, the party will shift its focus to the upcoming GHMC elections, which are slated for next year.

TDP’s Comeback After Electoral Defeat

The TDP has been relatively inactive in Telangana since its poor showing in the 2018 Assembly elections, where it contested as part of an alliance with Congress but secured only two seats. Both MLAs later defected to the then-ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), now known as Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). After the party’s setback in Telangana, Naidu had been concentrating on Andhra Pradesh.

However, Naidu’s recent actions suggest that the TDP is eyeing a political comeback in Telangana. Despite staying away from the 2023 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections due to the crisis triggered by Naidu’s arrest in a skill development scam, the TDP is now preparing to re-enter Telangana’s political fray.

Naidu Eyes Set on GHMC Elections

Naidu’s first visit to Hyderabad after becoming the Chief Minister saw him addressing TDP leaders and cadres, signaling his renewed focus on Telangana. His recent actions also indicate that the TDP aims to make a strong showing in the upcoming GHMC elections, likely as a part of a larger effort to regain its lost glory in Telangana.

With the party’s restructuring, strategic leadership appointments, and Naidu’s renewed focus on the state, the TDP is gearing up for a fresh chapter in Telangana’s political narrative.