Major setback for TDP in Chandragiri as five senior leaders quit after 30 years; blame MLA Pulivarthi Nani

In a joint resignation letter, the leaders alleged that the party's organisational structure in Chandragiri had deteriorated and that longstanding workers were being sidelined. They claimed that the prevailing circumstances had created such deep resentment among grassroots cadres that the TDP could struggle to regain electoral strength in the constituency for the next 30 years.

The resignations were announced by Birudala Bhaskar Reddy, former TDP Tirupati Rural secretary; S. Saraswati, former MPTC from Tirupati Rural; S. Venkatesh Naidu, senior TDP leader; T. Lakshmi Narayana, senior TDP leader; and P. Manohar, senior TDP leader.

The leaders stated that they had dedicated nearly 30 years to strengthening the TDP in Chandragiri, remaining loyal to the organisation through electoral victories, defeats and politically difficult periods. However, they alleged that their contributions were no longer being recognised and that the party's present leadership had failed to maintain coordination with experienced workers.

Their principal criticism was directed at Pulivarthi Nani, whose leadership has become a point of contention among sections of the party's local cadre. The resigning leaders accused him and his family members of adopting an approach that had alienated senior workers and weakened the organisation at the constituency level.

The leaders expressed concern that internal divisions were damaging the party's prospects despite its return to power in Andhra Pradesh as part of the TDP-led coalition government.

Chandragiri has historically been an important constituency in Tirupati district, witnessing intense political competition between the TDP and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). Pulivarthi Nani secured victory in the 2024 Assembly elections, defeating YSRCP candidate Chevireddy Mohith Reddy and bringing the constituency back into the TDP fold.

However, the latest resignations suggest that the party is facing internal dissatisfaction even after its electoral success. The departure of leaders with longstanding organisational experience could create challenges for the constituency leadership, particularly in maintaining coordination among grassroots workers and preparing for future elections.

The joint letter reflects frustration over what the signatories described as the treatment of committed party workers. Their warning that the TDP could face difficulties in Chandragiri for another three decades represents a political assessment by the resigning leaders rather than an established prediction of future electoral outcomes.

The development is significant because the resignations have come from individuals who claim to have remained associated with the party through several changes in its political fortunes. Their decision to leave together indicates that the disagreement has extended beyond an isolated personal grievance.

The allegations against Pulivarthi Nani and his family members are those of the resigning leaders. Their claims have not been independently established, and no response from the MLA or the TDP's district leadership was available in the material accompanying the resignation letter.

The resignations have brought the issue of internal party management into focus at a time when the TDP is seeking to consolidate its position across Andhra Pradesh following its return to power.

Whether the party leadership intervenes to address the grievances or the resignations lead to further organisational changes in Chandragiri remains to be seen.