The recently concluded monsoon session of the Andhra Pradesh state assembly has brought to light the fact that there is some kind of uneasiness brewing within the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP); and the party MLAs are openly expressing their discontent over the functioning of the Chandrababu Naidu-led coalition government.
The TDP leaders have been making open comments that the functioning of the present Chandrababu Naidu government in several respects appears no different from the previous YSR Congress regime.
Some even go so far as to say that “in certain matters, even the YSRCP seems to have a share in the coalition’s decisions.”
The perception reportedly stems from the fact that several officials and companies that held sway during Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure continue to operate with significant influence in the current administration.
Senior TDP leaders admit that it took many legislators some time to realize the extent of these continuities — and when they did, frustration began to surface.
One senior minister, reacting to the comments made by Naidu at the Friday’s cabinet meeting about MLAs’ conduct, said the remarks indicated a sense of leadership weakness.
Naidu is said to have told ministers that it was their duty, as district in-charges, to control MLAs and maintain coordination within the coalition.
However, several TDP functionaries privately feel that by placing the responsibility on district ministers, Naidu is distancing himself from direct disciplinary action. This clearly shows Naidu has lost control over the party leaders.
With the coalition holding a comfortable strength of 164 MLAs, they argue, the chief minister could easily act firmly against errant legislators instead of deflecting responsibility. Yet, he has expressed his helplessness.
Discontent is also said to be simmering among senior leaders who were overlooked in the recent cabinet expansion, as Naidu chose to elevate several newcomers.
In some districts, these sidelined veterans are reportedly unhappy not only with Naidu but also with Nara Lokesh, accusing the leadership of ignoring their experience and contributions.
As one insider put it, “How can inexperienced ministers handle seniors who have been in politics for decades? It’s bound to create friction.”
The emerging fault lines, observers note, could become a significant internal challenge for the coalition government in the months ahead.