Date: November 27, 2024
TDP Minister and MLA at Odds Over Property Tax Collection
Growing Tensions Between Kotamreddy and Narayana
A rift within the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has emerged between Nellore Rural MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy and municipal minister P. Narayana. The conflict centers around mounting property tax arrears in Nellore, now exceeding Rs 100 crore.
Minister Narayana has instructed officials to collect all unpaid property taxes, regardless of the defaulters’ status. This strict approach has led municipal authorities to stage dharnas at defaulters’ homes and cut off essential services such as water and electricity.
Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy’s Opposition
Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy, representing the rural area of Nellore, strongly opposes these harsh measures. He argues that many of his constituents are poor and should not be forced to pay property tax before the deadline. Kotamreddy clarified that he has no objections to Narayana collecting taxes from wealthier residents in the urban constituency, which Narayana represents.
However, he emphasized that such strict actions should apply to all municipalities, not just Nellore. He warned that if the tax collection drive is implemented selectively, it would be seen as politically motivated. Kotamreddy made it clear that he would not support this approach.
TDP Minister: Municipal Officials in a Difficult Position
The growing conflict between the two leaders has left municipal officials in a challenging position. They are caught between conflicting orders from Narayana and Kotamreddy, making it difficult to follow through on any instructions. This confusion is creating tension and uncertainty within the municipal corporation.
Kotamreddy has consistently stated that he will support the poor, not the wealthy. His frustration with the current situation is evident as he faces pressure from both Narayana and the local residents.
TDP Minister and Senior Leaders Must Intervene
The dispute has not gone unnoticed by senior TDP leaders. Despite the escalating tension, no official action has taken to resolve the issue. It remains to seen how party leadership will intervene to address the growing discord between the two leaders.
This internal conflict could have significant implications for the party’s unity and future prospects. TDP leadership must act soon to mend the rift between Narayana and Kotamreddy.