TDP Leadership Rattled By Bhuma Akhila Priya And Shilpa Mohan Reddy Episodes

Kurnool: The ruling Telugu Desam Party's (TDP) is facing a string of problems in Kurnool - considered one of its strong bastions in Rayalaseema.

While the attitude of Tourism minister Bhuma Akhila Priya towards TDP seniors in the region is a cause of concern for the party, the shifting of loyalties by Shilpa Mohan Reddy is another reason for worry. TDP loyalists state that both the problems are inter-related. For instance, the Nandyal assembly seat fell vacant after the untimely demise of MLA Bhuma Nagi Reddy. Followers of Shilpa Mohan Reddy wanted the party to approve his candidature for the seat. But Akhila Priya protested on the grounds that Nandyal seat was traditionally contested by her family and hence her family member must be given the party ticket.

In this scenario the sudden change of loyalties by Shilpa Mohan Reddy from TDP to YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has jolted the ruling party. Before it could recover from the shock, the distancing of AV Subba Reddy by Akhila Priya regarding party affairs in the district is creating ripples in political circles. Subba Reddy is considered a close confidant of Kurnool strongman - late Bhuma Nagi Reddy. Hence, it was expected that his daughter Akhila Priya too would retain him as a confidant. But of late, she is said to have distanced him from party affairs so much so that Subba Reddy was not invited to any of the events or public functions attended by Akhila Priya. The Allagadda MLA not calling AV Subba Reddy since 20 days is now a major topic of discussion in political circles. A section of TDP leaders are also blaming her for Shilpa Mohan Reddy quitting the TDP.

The Akhila Priya issue and Mohan Reddy shifting to YSRCP has rattled the party leadership. Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has called leaders from TDP Kurnool unit for a meeting in Vijayawada on Saturday in this regard. However, the party candidate for Nandyal seat in the upcoming by-polls is expected to dominate the meeting.