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Purandheswari inaugurates party election offices

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Purandheswari inaugurates party election offices

AP BJP chief Daggubati Purandheswari on Thursday inaugurated the party election offices in all 25 Parliament constituencies in the state. She inaugurated the Narsapuram Lok Sabha constituency election office at Bhimavaram and later inaugurated other 24 offices virtually.

Speaking on the occasion, Purandheswari said that the BJP would start Palleku Podam from February 9 to 11 and Praja Poru yatra from February 20 to 29. She wanted the rank and file of the BJP to participate in the two programmes and sensitise people in favour of the BJP.

She said that the BJP is all set to win 350 Lok Sabha seats in the country in the coming elections. There is no opposition to the BJP at the national level, she said. She further said that the BJP government at the Centre had been developing the nation on par with the developed countries in the world. The government wants to take India as one of the developed countries in the world by 2047, when the nation reaches 100 years of Independence.

Countries across the world were appreciating the governance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said and added that India was leading the world in different platforms. She wanted the rank and file of the BJP to explain all these issues to the people and ensure that they voted for the BJP in the coming elections.

Purandheswari said that the YSR Congress rule was destructive and spread hatred among the people. The government started with the demolition of Praja Vedika on the banks of river Krishna and it continues even today, she said. She further alleged that the government was filing atrocity cases against those who question this government.

She wanted every BJP activist to start questioning the government. She also wanted the BJP activists to expose the failures of this government. The Central government had given Rs 2,500 crore to the state for developing Amaravati as the capital. However, this government had ignored Amaravati, she said. She also said that AP is the only state where there is no capital.

Referring to the Polavaram Project, Purandheswari said that the TDP had delayed the project work, while the YSR Congress had completely ignored it. The Central government was funding the project but wondered why this government could not complete it.

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Bandi Sanjay’s Shift to AP Politics: A BJP Blunder?

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Bandi Sanjay’s Shift to AP Politics: A BJP Blunder?

Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s political journey from revitalizing the BJP in Telangana to his recent appointment as the national general secretary and his forthcoming role in Andhra Pradesh has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the BJP’s strategic choices. While his tenure as the BJP Telangana president undoubtedly reshaped the party’s landscape in the state, the move to assign him tasks in Andhra Pradesh may not be as seamless as it appears.

Bandi reshaped Telangana BJP:

Sanjay’s leadership in Telangana was characterized by several notable achievements. He transformed the BJP into a potent political force, undermining the Congress and posing a substantial challenge to the ruling BRS party. The party’s triumphs in Dubbaka and Huzurabad Assembly polls and formidable performance in the GHMC elections cemented his influence. BJP rose from nothing to the main political opponent in Telangana.

AP demographic composition is different:

However, the dynamics of Andhra Pradesh differ significantly from Telangana. The BJP holds minimal presence in the state and lacks representation in key legislative bodies. Sanjay’s prowess in polarizing Hindu voters through divisive rhetoric, particularly about Muslims and Muslim leaders, might not resonate as effectively in a state where the demographic composition and sociopolitical history are distinct. Bandi was highly successful in convincing Telangana people that BRS has a tacit understanding with MIM. But similar tactics may not succeed in AP.

Bandi’s controversial style of working:

Critics point to his controversial track record, highlighting his prioritization of Telangana interests over APs during his leadership in the former. His confrontational style, even within his party, raises questions about his ability to foster productive relationships with AP BJP leaders. Leaders like Arvind and Eetela Rajender complained to the high command about his monarchial style of working.

Janasena factor:

Bandi also had tumultuous interactions with Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan during the GHMC elections. The way he alienated Janasena in Telangana politics is still afresh in the minds of Janasena’s followers. The strong dependency on Janasena’s success for BJP’s prospects in AP adds another layer of complexity. Sanjay’s strained relationship with Pawan Kalyan could potentially hinder any coordinated efforts toward establishing a formidable presence in Andhra Pradesh.

As Bandi Sanjay sets his sights on AP, the political observers await his moves with intrigue. Whether he can replicate his Telangana success and build productive alliances in Andhra Pradesh remains to be seen. The BJP’s decision to entrust Sanjay with this task raises both curiosity and skepticism within political circles.

– ZURAN (@CriticZuran)

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AP BJP poses 9 questions to YSR Congress

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AP BJP poses 9 questions to YSR Congress

The AP unit of the BJP posed nine questions to the ruling YSR Congress on Monday. BJP AP unit general secretary S Vishnu Vardhan Reddy posed these questions at a press conference in Vijayawada.

The BJP leader wanted to know the answer from the YSR Congress leaders for all his questions. The first question was on human trafficking in the state. He said that AP stands four in the country in human trafficking and wanted to know what the ruling party would say for this.

He said that AP stands far behind among the southern states in the country in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said that agriculture, aquaculture and horticulture sectors were developed in the state over the years and wanted to know why the GDP is still low.

He also blamed the ruling party for not utilising the Jal Jeevan Mission of the Central government. He said that the government was not availing the scheme and not utilising the funds provided by the Central government. He asked the ruling party to justify for not utilising the scheme and providing safe drinking water to the people at their doorstep.

The BJP leader also blamed the ruling party for not constructing 25 lakh houses given by the Central government. He alleged that the ruling party was more interested in providing house sites to the people for commissions rather than constructing houses.

Vishnu Vardhan Reddy found fault with the state government for not developing the government hospitals right from rural and urban health centres to the government general hospitals. He said that the government had failed to provide quality health care and medicines to the people, despite the Central government’s support.

He alleged that 80 per cent of the corporate hospitals which are empanelled were not providing health care to the people under Aarogyasri. He said that the government has to clear their bills and wanted to know why the government had not cleared their bills.

The BJP leader blamed the government for neglecting higher education. He said that the government was not providing scholarships for the students in higher education. He also found fault with the government for withdrawing Telugu language from higher education.

Vishnu Vardhan Reddy said that the government had not filled the vacant posts in the last four years. He also blamed the ruling party for not developing the roads in the state and alleged that the ruling party was more interested in commissions and cheap publicity rather than real development of the state.

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Purandheswari hits hard at Jagan govt

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Purandheswari hits hard at Jagan govt

Former union Minister and BJP leader Daggubati Purandheswari on Thursday took serious count of the Jagan Mohan Reddy government in Andhra Pradesh. She spoke to the media at the party office after taking over as the party State unit president.

She said that the central government had been extending greater support to the state. Most of the schemes that the state government was implementing were from the Central government, she said.

She pointed out that the BJP government at the Centre had given Rs 6,000 to every farmer which is included in the Rythu Bharosa scheme implemented by the state government. She said that Jagan had promised to pay Rs 12,500 to every farmer and wondered why he was not paying the promised amount.

Purandheswari said that the Union government had paid Rs 20,000 crore to the state for the housing programme in the last nine years. She said that the government had not completed even 35 per cent of the housing scheme in the state.

The BJP new president further said that the Narendra Modi government was committed to provide financial support to the state government. The Centre is committed to the development of Andhra Pradesh even if the people don’t give a single seat to the BJP, she said.

She criticised the government for the bad roads in the state. She also blamed the government for its anti-investment policies. She said that investors were running away from the state. She also pointed out that no new investors have come to the state in the last four years.

Earlier in the day, Purandheswari visited her father late N T Rama Rao’s memorial in Hyderabad before arriving in Vijayawada. She was taken to the party office in the city from Gannavaram airport in a massive motor rally.

Party senior leaders including the outgoing president Somu Veerraju and former union minister Y S Chowdary, former chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy were among those who received Purandheswari at the party office.

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BJP to hold 5k meetings in AP to expose Jagan govt

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BJP to hold 5k meetings in AP to expose Jagan govt

The BJP in Andhra Pradesh is planning to hold 5000 public meetings covering every village all over the state. The meetings would be addressed by the party state and national leaders, said AP BJP unit president Somu Verrerraju on Tuesday.

Veerraju said that the state government headed by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy lacks clarity on administration and economic policies. He alleged that the government had completely failed to develop the state.

He also alleged that the Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government was not giving priority to the Central government schemes and regretted that the Central government is not even mentioned in the programmes.

The BJP would tell people about every scheme that the Central government is giving to the state. The party would invite the national leaders and Union Ministers for these meetings to create awareness among the people about Narendra Modi’s contribution to the state.

The party would hold service activities in the state marking the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi falling on September 17, Veerraju said.

Meanwhile, party general secretary Vishnuvardhan Reddy told the media persons at Kurnool on Tuesday that the economy in the state is on a collapsing stage. He blamed the chief minister for taking publicity by transferring funds to the people under various schemes.

Vishnuvardhan Reddy said that this government was functioning with the advisors rather than the ministers. The cabinet Ministers have no voice, while the advisors with the cabinet rank are running the government, the BJP State general secretary alleged.

Stating that people across the state were questioning the YSR Congress MLAs, he said that the BJP too would join in exposing the failures of the government. He asserted that the BJP in the state would soon emerge as a strong force.

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BJP begins marathon walk in Amaravati villages

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BJP begins marathon walk in Amaravati villages

The AP BJP leaders on Friday started the marathon walk in all the 29 villages of Amaravati capital. BJP AP president Somu Veerraju started the padayatra at Undavalli. The yatra is named as Mana Amaravati.

The Padayatra would conclude with a public meeting at Thulluru on August 4, in which several state and national leaders are expected to participate.

While launching the padayatra, Somu Veerraju blamed both Chandrababu Naidu and Jagan Mohan Reddy for betraying the farmers of Amaravati. He blamed Chandrababu Naidu for not developing Amaravati in five years of his government.

He also blamed the TDP chief for breaking alliance with the BJP, which led to delay in the construction of the new capital. He felt that Amaravati would have been a reality had Chandrababu Naidu continued the alliance with the BJP.

He cited the construction of capital for three states in the north by the BJP governments. He also promised to complete the Amaravati project in next five years, if the BJP is voted to power in the state.

Somu Veerraju also blamed chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy for ignoring the Amaravati project. He said that Jagan Mohan Reddy had said about three capitals but had not completed even a single capital in the last three years.

However, at Penumaka, Somu Veerraju had a bitter experience with the local farmers blaming him for their association with the BJP. A farmer said that both the BJP and the YSR Congress are in collusion and have destroyed the Amaravati capital project.

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BJP plans a rally for Amaravati, public meeting at Thulluru

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BJP plans a rally for Amaravati, public meeting at Thulluru

The AP BJP leaders have planned a massive public contact programme in the Amaravati villages. The leaders are planning for a marathon walk from Undavalli to Thulluru, covering 29 villages of the capital city Amaravati area.

The programme is scheduled to start at Undavalli on Friday and end at Thulluru on August 4. The total walk would cover 75 kilometres and the party senior leaders are expected to take part at various points of the walk.

Sources say that BJP’s ally, the Jana Sena and opposition TDP, are likely to extend their support for the BJP’s walk for Amaravati. It has been the TDP that has been supporting the Amaravati farmers to fight against the YSR Congress government for the past three years.

The Amaravati farmers have held rallies in all the 29 villages, conducted protests in Delhi and walked from AP High Court to Tirupati temple as part of their agitation in the last three years. TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu had addressed them on several occasions and had been supporting them for every programme.

Though the BJP is not an ally now, Chandrababu Naidu is likely to extend his support and ask his party leaders to support the BJP’s marathon walk.

It is only Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, who did not join the protests so far, except once when he visited the area two years ago. It is to be seen if Pawan Kalyan would support the BJP’s programme and join the public meeting at Thulluru on August 4 or remain silent.

The BJP had promised to complete the construction of the capital in just one year if the party is voted to power in the 2024 general elections. Now, ahead of the elections, the BJP has taken up the issue and is fighting for the Amaravati farmers.

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BJP leaders share dais with YSRCP and TDP on same day

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BJP leaders share dais with YSRCP and TDP on same day

AP BJP leaders, particularly its chief Somu Veerraju shared the dais with ruling YSR Congress and opposition TDP on the same day on Tuesday in Vijayawada. Veerraju, who keeps on criticising both YSR Congress chief, Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu day in and day out had to share the dais with them separately.

Veerraju accompanied NDA presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu in Andhra Pradesh, who came here to seek support for her in the Presidential election. She first attended the meeting hosted by YSR Congress chief, Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy in Mangalagiri.

The AP BJP chief thanked Jagan Mohan Reddy for extending support to the BJP-sponsored NDA candidate in the presidential election.

Later, Veerraju joined Murmu and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy to meet the TDP leaders in a hotel in Vijayawada. The TDP too had extended its support to Murmu and requested the BJP leaders to visit them during her visit to the State.

Accordingly, the BJP leaders followed Murmu to a hotel in Vijayawada and shared the dais with Chandrababu Naidu. He had to be seated on the dais along with other TDP leaders including K Atchannaidu and Yanamala Ramakrishnudu.

Quite interestingly, the TDP broke away with the BJP before the 2019 elections and Somu Veerraju has been hitting the TDP hard since then. When some attempts were reportedly made for a patch up, Veerraju was in the forefront in opposing alliance with the TDP again.

However, in politics everything is possible and there are no permanent friends and foes in power politics.

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AP BJP to change its chief, eyes on TDP base!

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AP BJP to change its chief, eyes on TDP base!

The BJP leadership is set to change its AP unit president shortly. The party is busy with the Rajya Sabha elections, followed by the Presidential elections. This would follow the vice-presidential election and the selection of the chief justice of India.

Once these elections are completed, the party leadership is likely to take up the party work in various states across the country. Andhra Pradesh is one of the key states for the BJP and it has bigger plans to expand here.

Sources say that the party leadership has set its eyes on the TDP base believing that the TDP is set to die its natural death. The party wanted to have all the TDP leaders migrate to the BJP after the 2019 debacle. As anticipated, some leaders of the TDP including Sujana Chowdary have shifted to the BJP.

The BJP leadership is confident of seeing TDP’s era with its chief Chandrababu Naidu moving on the wrong side of his age and the party leaders not accepting Lokesh leadership. It is here that the BJP wants to cash in on by attracting the TDP leaders into the party by 2029 general elections.

Keeping these factors in consideration, the BJP leadership wants to replace the existing president Somu Veerraju with some Kamma leaders. It had tried two Kapu leaders – Kanna Lakshminarayana and Somu Veerraju – so far and there was no improvement for the party.

Now, ahead of the 2024 elections, the BJP wants to have a Kamma leader as the party president to woo the TDP leaders into the party. The leadership is looking at having Daggubati Purandheswari or Sujana Chowdary as the probable candidates to lead the party in Andhra Pradesh, as the TDP gets weakened.

It is to be seen how far the BJP would succeed in its calculations and assumptions!

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Andhra BJP chief stopped on way to violence-hit Amalapuram

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Andhra BJP chief stopped on way to violence-hit Amalapuram

Andhra Pradesh Police on Wednesday stopped state BJP chief Somu Veerraju from visiting Amalapuram, which recently witnessed violence over renaming of Konaseema district as Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.

The BJP leader, accompanied by his supporters, wanted to call on the victims of violence and also those against whom cases were booked.

The police, however, stopped his convoy near Jonnada in East Godavari district. Police blocked the road with a vehicle to stop the BJP leader’s vehicle from moving ahead. This led to a heated argument between the BJP leader and police officers. Veerraju insisted that police remove the vehicle and allow him to proceed.

Since prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC are still in force in Amalapuram, he can’t be allowed to visit the town, he was told. Tension continued for half-an-hour.

The BJP leader subsequently requested the police officers to allow him to speak to district SP over phone. Later, the police allowed him to visit Ravulapelm town to meet a party leader.

Amalapuram was rocked by violence on May 24 against the proposal to rename Konaseema district as Dr B. R. Ambedkar district.

During the large-scale violence that broke during a protest called by Konaseema Parirakshana Samiti, residences of a state minister and a MLA were set afire and dozens of people including police personnel were injured.

With the Dalit Hakkula Porata Samithi (DHPS) reportedly deciding to protest in favour of the proposal, prohibitory orders continued in the town. There is no permission for any public meeting or rally in the town.

The Konaseema district was carved out from East Godavari with Amalapuram as its headquarters.

It was one of the 13 districts created on April 4, taking the total number of districts in the state to 26.

The state government on May 18 issued a notification inviting objections and suggestions on the proposal to rename the Konaseema district after Dr Ambedkar. It sought suggestions and objections from the people residing within Konaseema.

People have been urged to send objections and suggestions, if any, to Konaseema district collector within 30 days.

However, some people from two dominant castes in the district — Kapus and Setti Balijas-came together to oppose the renaming. According to police, the coming together of these communities intensified the protests against the renaming of the district as more people participated in the agitation.

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‘What a shame’, KTR reacts to Andhra BJP’s promise of liquor at Rs 75

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‘What a shame’, KTR reacts to Andhra BJP’s promise of liquor at Rs 75

“Wah… What a scheme! What a shame!” — is how TRS working president K.T. Rama Rao reacted to Andhra Pradesh BJP chief Somu Veerraju’s promise of cheap liquor at Rs 75 if BJP is voted to power in the state.

Addressing a public meeting at Vijayawada on Tuesday, Veerraju had also said that if the state’s revenues improve, the government will further bring down the price to Rs 50.

“Wah… What a scheme! What a shame. AP BJP stoops to a new low,” tweeted Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) working president and state minister K.T. Rama Rao, popularly known as KTR, on Wednesday.

Somu Veerraju had said during his speech that one crore people who consume alcohol should vote for the BJP in 2024 and get cheap liquor for Rs 75.

“If the revenues are good, we will give it for only Rs 50,” he said.

“Is it the national policy of the BJP to supply cheap liquor at Rs 50, or is this bumper offer only for states where the desperation is ‘high’,” asked KTR, who is the son of Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.

Meanwhile, YSR Telangana Party leader Y.S. Sharmila also joined the issue by reacting to KTR’s tweet.

“BJP is for cheap liquor. TRS is for costly liquor, liquor everywhere, liquor anytime, loot in the name of liquor, make people & youth addictive to liquor. Throw women safety aside, force sell liquor. Liquor next to school, liquor in every village. Blood sucking liquor & leaders,” Sharmila tweeted, tagging KTR.

Sharmila is the younger sister of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

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Stunned state BJP leaders go silent after Modi withdraws 3 farm laws

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Stunned state BJP leaders go silent after Modi withdraws 3 farm laws

There was a stunned silence in the BJP over the sudden decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the three farm bills. Top BJP leaders of Telangana, state president Bandi Sanjay and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, who were in an internal meeting with the RSS top brass, were shocked to know about the PM’s announcement. They rechecked and confirmed about the repeal of the three farm laws.

Once it became clear that the farm laws were indeed repealed, they fell silent. No major leader visited the state party office on Friday. No one was available at the party office to answer the media queries. Leaders like Eatala Rajender and Raghunandan remained confined to their residences and refused to meet the media. KIshan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay and Premender Reddy were busy in the RSS meet held on the outskirts of the city.

Meanwhile, internal sources said that there were strict instructions from New Delhi to the state unit not to react to the development. The state leadership was reportedly told to remain silent. As a result, all the spokespersons remained unavailable to comment on the development. The state party office, which was a beehive of activity, has suddenly fallen silent. Except for a few employees, no major leader visited the office.

There is utter confusion in the party over Modi’s sudden announcement. For many party leaders, who till recently defended the bills, it was a shock. Many leaders were wondering as to why Modi, who never rescinded any decision so far, has taken back the three farm laws.

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Does BJP have no interest in Andhra Pradesh?

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Does BJP have no interest in Andhra Pradesh?

Has the BJP national leadership given up on Andhra Pradesh? Does AP no longer figure in its plans? This is the question that is being asked now especially after the new national executive committee was constituted. The central leadership has given minimal representation to the party in the newly-constituted national executive committee. It is as if AP is a useless sixth finger.

The BJP national leadership seems to feel that Telangana is politically more fertile. Hence the representation given to Telangana is much more compared to AP. The national executive committee has 80members and 50 special invitees. Earlier, AP had two representations – state president Somu Veerraju and former president K Haribabu. Haribabu has now become governor. So, at least two new faces were expected.

However, the BJP national leadership chose only one person – Kanna Lakshminarayana. Telangana has four members. Besides, Vijayasanthi is a special invitee. Significantly, none of the three Rajya Sabha MPs were given any post. Sujana Chowdary, TG Venkatesh and CM Ramesh, whose Rajya Sabha term would end next year, have not been given any post. Another Rajya Sabha MP – GVLNarasimha Rao – is no longer the national spokesperson of the party.

As a result, AP is bereft of proper representation in the BjP national team. Though national party headquarters incharge Ravindra Raju and parliamentary party secretary Kamarsu Balasubramanyam are Telugus from AP, their role is essentially behind the screens.

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What does Kanna Lakshminarayana’s elevation mean for AP BJP?

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What does Kanna Lakshminarayana’s elevation mean for AP BJP?

Finally at long last, the national leadership of the BJP has rehabilitated former state president and former minister Kanna Lakshminarayana. He has been made a member of the party’s 80-member national executive. This is being seen as a significant recognition of his importance in the party and especially in Andhra Pradesh.

Kanna was unceremoniously removed as the president over some internal issues. His pro-Amaravati stance too did not fit into the party’s overall tacit support to YS Jagan’s three capitals plan. Also, there were issues relating to election spending. Soon after removal, Kanna became inactive. It is only recently that he has become active in the party programmes.

Sources feel that the national leadership has realised the importance of Kanna in the changed circumstances. The party’s relationship with Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena is considerably strained and Somu Veerraju despite belonging to the same social group, is being found to be inadequate in conducting business with Jana Sena. Hence the party feels that Kanna Lakshminarayana could play a pivotal role in mending relations with Pawan. Also, Kanna is considered to be more aggressive and politically savvy. Kanna is also likely to be sent to Uttar Pradesh as an observer, said internal sources. This would give him a wider exposure and a bigger role in the party.

Along with Kanna, former MPs Vivek Venkata Swami, Garikapati Mohan Rao, AP JItender Reddy and minister G KIshan Reddy too have been made executive committee members. Actress Vijayasanthi and former minister Eatala Rajender have been appointed as special invitees to the national executive committee. Already DK Aruna, D Purandeswari and Y Satyakumar have been appointed as the vice president, general secretary and secretary respectively.

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Rumour mill abuzz over change of guard in AP BJP

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Rumour mill abuzz over change of guard in AP BJP

Is the BJP national leadership mulling a change of guard in Andhra Pradesh? Is Somu Veerraju on his way out as the AP BJP president? Is the BJP national leadership unhappy with the way Somu Veerraju is handling the situation in the state? The political class is abuzz with stories about Somu Veerraju being shown the door.

Somu Veerraju was made the party president after Kanna Lakshminarayana had failed to improve the party’s performance in the state in the 2019 elections. There were complaints of collusion with the TDP against Kanna Lakshminarayana. The BJP national leadership was also said to be unhappy with Kanna Lakshminarayana’s stand on the Amaravati issue. There were also allegations of financial improprieties against Kanna Lakshminarayana. So, the BJP brought in party loyalist and Kapu leader Somu Veerraju as the party president.

However, the party national leadership is said to be of the opinion that Veeraju did not match up to expectations. He took a long time in finalising his district level teams. He has also been accused of alienating some powerful communities in the state through his excessive emphasis on one social group. If sources are to be released, BJP national president JP Nadda did not give an appointment to Somu Veerraju in recent times.

Meanwhile, the footfalls of party senior leader and deputy organising secretary Shiv Prakash Singh have increased in AP. He has been visiting the state regularly and is said to have warned the party leadership to buck up and get into the act. Though his tough words created a sensation in the AP BJP, the top leaders though shaken were not stirred.

Sources say that the party is seriously mulling bringing back Kanna Lakshminarayana. Kanna was quite pro-active and toured the whole state several times to reactivate the party. Sources also revealed that even the name of former minister Adinarayana Reddy is doing rounds. The party is also seriously considering appointing someone from Rayalaseema region as both the TDP and the YSRCP are led by the leaders from Rayalaseema.

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What’s behind K Haribabu’s sudden elevation as Mizoram Governor?

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What’s behind K Haribabu’s sudden elevation as Mizoram Governor?

Why was Kambhampati Haribabu, the old BJP warhorse, made a governor in the latest reshuffle? This question has surprised many. Haribabu has been in hibernation ever since he was replaced by Kanna Lakshminarayana and has not been heard for quite a while. Yet, the gubernatorial post has fallen into his lap.

It is another thing that he has been made a governor of a very small state like Mizoram. But, governorship is governorship. Even as congratulatory messages are flooding him, questions are being raised as to why the Modi-Shah duo picked Haribabu for the coveted post.

Sources say his loyalty to the party has counted a lot in the selection. Haribabu stood by the party during the partition of the state and afterwards. Even when the BJP-TDP relations became worse, Haribabu did not make even a single adverse comment and followed the party line. When he was asked to standby to allow Daggubati Purandeswari to contest from Vizag in 2019, Haribabu obliged without a murmur. He also worked for her in the elections. Even after Kanna and Somu Veerraju became presidents of the BJP, he steadfastly remained in the party and attended all the programmes without fail.

But, some people say that Kambhampati has been rewarded for his close association with vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu. Kambhampati has always been a Venkaiah Naidu associate. They were together during the Jai Andhra agitation of the 1970s. The association continued all through and Venkaiah has made him an MP and then the party chief. Sources say that Venkaiah may have pulled all stops to get this post for Haribabu.

But one thing is quite clear. This is a pre-retirement promotion for Haribabu. After a governorship, the politician usually retires gracefully. For instance, V Rama Rao, Ch Vidyasagar Rao and few others were retired this way. Bandaru Dattatreya too is likely to retire from active politics after his stint in Haryana. Even Haribabu may have to do the same.

Telugu360 is always open for the best and bright journalists. If you are interested in full-time or freelance, email us at Krishna@telugu360.com.

Is AP BJP going into attack YSRCP mode?

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Is AP BJP going into attack YSRCP mode?

Is the Andhra Pradesh BJP changing? For the first ever time after 2019, the AP BJP has become vocal against the ruling YSRCP government. The party leaders slammed the YSRCP government on various issues such as failure in Covid control, non-payment of ex-gratia, political violence and even the tardy pace of Polaravaram works.

This is perhaps the first time when the BJP adopted a strident attitude towards the YSRCP government. All these years, the BJP was ambivalent and glossed over the failures of the Jagan Mohan Reddy government. But, this time the party’s internal meet held in Vijayawada’s state headquarters saw leader after leader targeting the Jagan government. This is a welcome departure, say observers. They feel the local leaders may have changed tack due to diktats from the Central leadership.

What is interesting is that the leaders also did not criticize the TDP and Chandrababu Naidu. The leaders, including Somu Veerraju and GVL Narasimha Rao were very vocal against the Jagan Government and its policies. While one does not know if this is going to be a constant feature or just one-off incident. But, party insiders feel that it is time that the BJP should start attacking YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government.

While this is a welcome augury, the BJP backers feel that the party should be more strident and should take up people’s issues. They say that issues like Ayodhya and Jammu Kashmir will not resonate in Andhra Pradesh, where local issues occupy prime place in the political discourse. They feel the BJP in Andhra Pradesh should take up local issues of importance if it wants to grow into a credible force.

Telugu360 is always open for the best and bright journalists. If you are interested in full-time or freelance, email us at Krishna@telugu360.com.

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