Telugu Desam Party general secretary and Andhra Pradesh IT minister Nara Lokesh, who is virtually controlling the party affairs, has taken serious view of certain TDP MLAs who are treating their constituencies as their own fiefdoms and creating troubles for the other TDP leaders.
Party sources said Lokesh has alerted senior party leaders and district-level functionaries to address grievances from long-time loyalists facing humiliation or neglect.
The move comes in the wake of the Daggadarthi incident in Nellore district, where veteran TDP leader Malepati Subbanayudu, a 40-year loyalist of the party, died recently.
On Wednesday, Lokesh visited the family to express solidarity and assure them of justice.
Reports suggest that Lokesh received detailed feedback from local MPs, senior TDP leaders, and grassroots workers about the behaviour of Kavali MLA Krishna Reddy, who allegedly insulted and harassed the Malepati family after they withdrew from contesting for the assembly ticket.
Subbanaidu, who was made chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Agro Industries Development Corporation, suffered a brain stroke and succumbed after battling for his life for ten days.
His 10th-day ritual was conducted by family members on Thursday at Dagadarthi in Nellore district. However, tensions flared during the ceremony when Kavali MLA Kavya Krishna Reddy arrived to pay his respects.
Supporters of Malepati Subbanaidu stopped Krishna Reddy from entering the venue.
This led to a heated argument between the followers of Subbanaidu and Krishna Reddy, which soon escalated into a scuffle. Chairs were broken during the confrontation, and even the police struggled to bring the situation under control.
Subbanaidu’s supporters alleged that Kavya Krishna Reddy was responsible for his death, claiming she had caused him great distress.
As a result, when they learned of her visit, they staged a protest. Unable to calm the situation, Kavya Krishna Reddy left the venue without getting out of his car.
During his visit to Kavali, Lokesh reportedly restricted MLA Krishna Reddy’s participation, allowing him only to formally greet him on the roadside — a symbolic gesture that underscores the seriousness of the message.
He is learnt to have indicated that stern action would be taken against the Kavali MLA. In all probability, the party might curtail her powers and make her a dummy, while encouraging alternative leadership there.
Party circles believe Lokesh’s proactive stance has revived morale among loyal TDP workers, with many describing it as “the return of good days” for the party’s traditional base.