It has been just a year and two months since former Union minister Daggubati Purandeshwari was appointed as the president of the Andhra Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party, replacing former MLC Somu Veerraju.
Typically, the president of a state BJP unit serves a full term of three years, with the possibility of an extension if their services are still required.
Somu Veerraju served a three-year term from 2020 to 2023, and his predecessor, Kanna Lakshminarayana, also served for more than two years, though not the full three.
However, according to reports from New Delhi, the BJP high command is considering replacing Purandeshwari just over a year into her tenure. The reports indicate that there have been complaints about her style of leadership.
Purandeshwari played a key role in forging the alliance between the BJP, Jana Sena, and TDP ahead of the last general elections in Andhra Pradesh. She was also elected to the Lok Sabha from Rajahmundry as a result of this alliance.
Although she had differences with her brother-in-law, TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, the family reconciled during the YSR Congress Party regime, as part of a broader Kamma community consolidation.
This has led to opposition from some BJP leaders, particularly those from the Reddy community.
They have reportedly complained to the BJP national leadership, accusing her of making the BJP subservient to the TDP, and suggesting that as long as she remains in charge, Naidu will not allow the BJP to grow in the state.
Additionally, there are complaints that she has not been inclusive in her leadership and that there has been minimal activity within the party recently. This may be why the central leadership is considering replacing her with another capable leader.
Since the party has previously been led by Kapu and Kamma leaders, the high command might opt for a Reddy or OBC leader to head the state BJP.
However, as a BC leader (Y. Satya Kumar) already holds a cabinet post, the state BJP chief position may go to a Reddy.
Although the name of former chief minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy has been mentioned, the party may not choose him, as he is relatively new and has limited connections within the party.
It will be interesting to see who ultimately replaces Purandeshwari.
