BJP, Janasena Prefer Babu’s Former Critics for MLC Seats!

Chandrababu Naidu, along with allies Janasena and BJP, zoomed to power in the 2024 general elections. The trio’s force routed Jagan’s YSRCP, limiting it to a meager 11 Assembly seats, thus falling below Opposition party status.

Even though the TDP secured a sufficient majority, Chandrababu Naidu ensured that allies received a fair share of all posts, including ministries and nominated positions. Staying true to alliance Dharma, Chandrababu allocated two crucial MLC seats—one each to BJP and Janasena. The irony is that both parties have given these seats to Chandrababu’s harshest critics and detractors in the past.

The BJP nominated Somu Veerraju for the MLC seat. Somu Veerraju had been critical of Chandrababu since the 2014 alliance days, frequently attacking Naidu and his governance, despite BJP being a part of the 2014 TDP government. During Jagan’s tenure as CM, Somu rallied behind Jagan and criticized Chandrababu, who was in the opposition then. However, after the 2024 elections, Somu changed his stance, personally meeting Naidu and becoming more positive about the alliance. Despite this shift, BJP’s nomination of Somu Veerraju as MLC is not sitting well with many hardcore Telugu Thammullu, who are publicly expressing their disappointment.

As for Janasena, Pawan Kalyan nominated his brother, Naga Babu. Pawan has consistently criticized dynasty politics, especially bashing Congress and other parties. In fact, he previously hailed BJP for encouraging leaders without dynastic backgrounds. Before the 2019 elections, Naga Babu had also criticized Chandrababu and Lokesh for the same reasons. While Pawan targets Jagan, Naga Babu used to target only Chandrababu and Lokesh. Now, his nomination for the MLC seat has raised several eyebrows.

Naga Babu had once criticized Chandrababu after the fallout between TDP and Janasena, never missing an opportunity to attack Naidu. Although he later took a U-turn and praised Chandrababu, the memories of TDP leaders are filled with instances of Somu Veerraju and Naga Babu criticizing their beloved leader. Naturally, they are struggling to accept the nominations of the BJP and Janasena candidates.