Why Did CBN Take Radical Decisions for Kuppam?

Between 2019 and 2024, we used to see YSR Congress leaders making tall claims of defeating Chandrababu Naidu in Kuppam. Then Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy even allegedly wrested Kuppam local bodies using money and muscle.

There was widespread propaganda about something really happening in Kuppam. But Chandrababu Naidu won Kuppam for the eighth time.

TDP MLC Kancharla Srikanth has been given the affairs of Kuppam before the elections after he won the East Rayalaseema seat withstanding YSR Congress in Jagan’s rule. But then, the other day, Naidu pulled off a surprise by removing Srikanth from Kuppam.

After the alliance led by the TDP came to power, dissatisfaction regarding Kancharla’s style of functioning gradually began to brew among the party’s second-tier leaders. A lack of coordination developed between him and them.

Invisible barriers emerged among the leadership trio of Kancharla, PS Muniratnam, and Dr. Suresh Babu. Furthermore, a sense of despondency settled over the party cadres who had initially faced the Assembly elections with enthusiasm.

Complaints grew that they were not receiving due recognition or respect, whether at the party office or during public meetings and gatherings.

About 20 days ago, a team led by TDP strategist Robin Sharma began a survey in the Kuppam constituency. The team engaged with the public and the party cadre at the village, panchayat, and mandal levels to gather opinions on the leaders’ performance and satisfaction levels regarding government schemes.

This survey process continued for ten to fifteen days. Immediately after the survey concluded, a meeting was called for Sunday and Chandrababu Naidu removed Srikanth from Incharge duties.

Naidu announced that he would take care of Kuppam himself and will tour the constituency every two months.

At the meeting, Chandrababu directed that Srikanth, a young man from Anantapur district, would take charge of Kuppam as his PA, and instructed party cadres to follow his advice and suggestions.

Moreover this change has happened just before the Local Body elections and so, the cadre is worried.