The episode of Telugu Desam Party official spokesperson Divyavani’s resignation from the party a couple of days ago has exposed chinks in the party because of a strong coterie around party president and former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Though the party leaders and cadre are of view that Naidu has been striving hard to win back the confidence of the people, he is still not accessible to many of the genuine party workers because of the coterie around him.
Divyavani openly exposed this coterie of leaders, saying that it is difficult to approach Naidu by breaking this coterie.
She particularly named a few leaders like party organising secretary T D Janardhan and Varla Ramaiah, saying they are blocking all channels of meeting the party president to discuss important issues.
Janardhan has been associated with Naidu since late ‘90s as a trusted lieutenant of the party and Naidu. He held a few positions like AP State Cooperative Bank (APCOB) chairman and member of legislative council.
“Though he hasn’t get any major posts like MLA seat or Rajya Sabha member so far, he has become the most important person in the party and without crossing him, nobody would be able to meet Naidu,” sources said.
Like Janardhan, there are a few other leaders whose words Naidu would give a lot of value; so, without consulting them, he won’t take any major decision. This has come a big hurdle for the other party leaders who want to brief Naidu about the party situation at the grassroots level.
The party leaders are of the view that Divyavani episode has in fact done good for the party, as she had openly raised her voice against Janardhan and others.
“Definitely, this would go to Naidu’s notice and if he realises that he is being misled by the coterie, it will be a big benefit to the party,” sources said.
It is learnt Lokesh is also upset with Janardhan and others. Since Lokesh has started calling shots in the party, he will keep this coterie at bay, party leaders hope.
