Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu appears to be losing support from his own party cadre, who are growing frustrated with his style of governance.
From the day he returned to power, TDP workers and leaders have been pressuring Naidu and his son, Nara Lokesh, to act against officials and police officers who allegedly harassed TDP members during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regime. They also expected strict action against YSRCP leaders accused of corruption.
However, much to their dismay, YSRCP leaders continue their activities and, in many places, are allegedly collaborating with TDP leaders.
Additionally, IAS and IPS officers who were seen as allies of the previous government have been treated leniently, frustrating the party cadre.
The tipping point for this discontent was the resignation of young TDP leader and national spokesperson GV Reddy from his position as AP State Fibernet Ltd (APSFL) chairman and his primary membership in the party.
GV Reddy reportedly resigned after facing reprimand from Naidu for exposing alleged irregularities in APSFL, particularly involving its Managing Director Dinesh Kumar, an IAS officer who Reddy accused of colluding with the previous YSRCP government.
Following his resignation, TDP supporters and workers took to social media to express their anger at Naidu’s handling of the situation.
A TDP worker criticized Naidu’s leadership, recalling his past actions: "When you backstabbed TDP founder-president in the name of saving the party, we supported you. But if you take the wrong path now, do you expect us to stay silent? If this continues, even your favorite IAS and IPS officers, along with your alliance partners, will pull you down."
A party leader announced his protest: "I am boycotting MLC elections in Guntur to show solidarity with @gvreddy0406. You have disappointed the cadre and supporters. Remember, this frustration is surfacing just 8 months after the election victory. Reinstate @gvreddy0406 garu."
Another party worker warned of electoral consequences: "Now @ncbn and @naralokesh are prioritizing corrupt people over the cadre. Without the cadre, the government won’t survive in 2029. They are repeating the mistakes of 2004 and 2019, relying too much on IAS officers instead of grassroots workers."
A hardcore TDP supporter questioned Naidu’s political strategy:
"Many TDP supporters are unhappy with GV Reddy’s resignation. It seems CBN is no longer fit for present-day politics."
Another party member called out alleged corruption within the government: "The government is openly supporting corruption. Shouldn’t a chairperson have the right to question an IAS officer? If you question the top officials, the lower ones will fall in line and do their job. What a spineless government!"
The rising frustration among TDP supporters indicates growing discontent within the party, even as it holds power in the state. With GV Reddy’s exit serving as a flashpoint, Naidu may need to reassure his party cadre before the unrest escalates further.
