TDP split into three groups opposing 'RRR' candidature in Undi; Naidu, Pawan to campaign in Godavari districts today

VIJAYAWADA: The TDP-BJP-JSP combine is going to hold massive campaigns in the erstwhile Godavari districts on April 10 and 11. The campaign titled ‘Praja Galam’ would be attended by TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan and would cover Tanuku, Nidadavole, P. Gannavaram and Amalapuram Assembly i

However, the grand alliance of the opposition in Andhra Pradesh is facing a multitude of issues in West Godavari district with sitting MLAs unhappy over the choice of candidates being issued tickets. For example, in Undi, TDP leader and former MLA Vetukuri Venkata Siva Ramaraju has decided to contest as an independent candidate from the constituency. He openly commented that that TDP high command had insulted him without allotting a ticket though he worked hard for the last five years.

Meanwhile, in a twist, while the TDP apparently finalised sitting MLA Manthena Rama Raju's name for Undi Assembly, it is now expected that Chandrababu Naidu has finalised YSRCP Narsapuram rebel MP K Raghu Ramakrishna Raju for the seat who joined the party last week.

This was the reason why dissent started brewing within the TDP ranks. In an embarassment to the party last Saturday, TDP leaders from Undi gheraoed Chandrababu Naidu in Palakollu and started raising slogans during a meeting. They demanded that Manthena Rama Raju should only be the candidate from Undi.

Naidu was however unhappy with Rama Raju and warned him against provoking the cadres. But one thing is apparent that both Siva Ramaraju and Manthena Rama Raju's would not back Raghu Ramakrishna Raju's candidature from Undi and the seat is expected to be a thorn in Naidu's armour.