Andhra Pradesh state assembly has been witnessing a high drama for the last two days, following the suspension of three Telugu Desam Party MLAs by deputy speaker Kona Raghupathi for creating ruckus in the House.
The TDP legislators staged a protest in front of the main entrance of the assembly on Wednesday seeking revocation of the suspension of three party MLAs -- Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary, K. Atchannaidu and Nimmala Ramanaidu.
On Thursday, they took out a “padayatra” to the assembly on Thursday, led by party president and leader of opposition N Chandrababu Naidu.
The TDP leaders have been raising protests by holding placards with captions such as “suspension is unfair” and “will you suspend for questioning?” and shouting slogans seeking “we want justice.”
However, one person who has been conspicuous by missing in the entire drama was Naidu’s brother-in-law and Hindupur MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna.
Except in the initial days of the commencement of budget session, Balakrishna has not been coming to the assembly regularly, let alone participating in the debates on various issues.
Surprisingly, Balakrishna is said to be aspiring to become the working president of the party and hoping to play a bigger role in the party activities.
There were also reports that he was interested in taking the mantle of the party by 2024, by which time Naidu would turn 74 years.
One wonders how Balakrishna could dream of playing a big role in the party, let alone leading it, when he cannot even participate in the assembly proceedings.
“He has to show his leadership qualities by gaining command over the subjects, questioning the government on important issues of public concern and lead the other MLAs of the party in protests and rallies. But Balayya wants power without shedding a drop of sweat,” a party leader observed.
May be Balakrishna is a little busy with his film career, but it is time he takes active interest in party activities.
