MLC Candidate Selection Sparks Discontent In Ruling TDP

A mini rebellion is brewing in the TDP after the announcement of the candidates for the MLC elections. Those who could not get the tickets are seething with rage. Many are even planning to fight the election as rebel candidates. The TDP leadership has gone on an overdrive to mollify the rebels and to make them stand down.

Here is a lowdown on the dissidence in the party over ticket distribution:

* Srikakulam: Senior TDP leader Appala Naidu is unhappy over the ticket being given to Satrucharla Vijayarama Raju, who defected from the Congress. MP Rammohan Naidu and Minister Paritala Sunitha are trying to bring Naidu around.

* East Godavari: Former Planning Board deputy chairperson Boddu Bhaskara Rama Rao has raised a banner of revolt and is planning to fight the election as a rebel. He is livid that the ticket is given to former minister Chikkala Ramachandra Rao. Deputy CM China Rajappa and Minister P Pulla Rao are trying to talk to him.

* West Godavari: In West Godavari, TDP senior hand Ambika Krishna and Parthasarathy are unhappy over the selection of the candidate.

* Nellore: In Nellore, the ticket is given to Vakati Narayana Reddy, who joined the TDP from YSRCP. TDP senior hand Adala Prabhakar Reddy and Anam brothers are oppossing this. Anam brothers have recently joined the TDP from the Congress.

* Chittoor: Sitting MLC Naresh Kumar Reddy has been denied another chance to stand election. He says Chief Minister had promises to renominate him, but has decided against at the last movement.

* Kurnool: The rivarly between Meenakshi Naidu faction and Silpa family has come to the fore. The ticket has been given to Silpa Chakrapani Reddy, but Meenakshi Naidu and Farooq are opposed to his nomination.