Options before Dadi as patch up bid fails

Disgruntled Dadi Veerabhadra Rao, Telugu Desam leader from Visakhapatnam, who expressed his strong resentment over TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu's way of politics on Sunday, is critical of continuing in the party.

Talking to reporters yesterday, Dadi said various parties approached him, but declined their request keeping in view of respect he had towards the TDP. Dadi had elected to Assembly four times from Anakapalli as MLA in 1985, 89, 94 and 99. He served minister and MLC. Known as senior BC leader in Visakha district, Dadi Veerabhadra Rao has strong cadre support. Many TDP workers came forward to resign soon after the news spread that he was denied MLC seat. 

If he thought of quitting the TDP, he has options of joining either Congress or YSR congress to cotest in the 2014 elections. However, his supporters said that he may maintain distance from the party activities for the time being. Selection of MLC tickets drew strong opposition from the party cadre in the State. A strong lobbying worked in favour of three selected candidates for MLC posts. Samanthakamani, who was elected as MLC on behalf of TDP, is from Anantapur district and served as minister during Congress rule. She lost twice in the Assembly elections in 2004 and 2009. She is acting as TDP in-charge of Singanamala Assembly segment. 

It is reported that she was successful in lobbying through an IAS officer, who was said to be her close relative. It is abuzz in the district that despite a strong opposition from the party cadre she was able to get the MLC seat as the party high command might have influenced by her clout. But TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu said on Sunday that the selection of MLC candidates was done on the basis of social justice. Samanthakamani was selected to the post being a woman and also a SC. However, MLC election made a dent in the image of TDP, party circles felt.

-Sakshipost