Challenges and Dynamics within BJP Leadership in Telugu States

Arvind Dharmapuri, a Member of Parliament representing Nizamabad for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), recently commented on Chandrababu Naidu's alleged role in the Telangana Elections, suggesting that Naidu supported the Congress party. Additionally, it was reported that Naidu had been influential in Revanth Reddy being appointed as the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) Chief as part of a supposed agreement with the Congress. Eetala Rajendra, another prominent political figure, also expressed concerns about Naidu's influence in Telangana politics, citing alleged support for the Congress. Notably, the majority of leaders, with the exceptions of Kishen Reddy and Laxman, are against forming an alliance with Janasena. BJP Yuva Morcha has raised voice against Janasena Alliance and has requested Janasena seats to be given to them.  A Congress win in Telangana will allow TDP to openly tie up with Congress or drive hard bargain with BJP through its loyalists in the party. 

Telangana BJP Campaign Committee Head Vivek Venkataswamy quit to join Congress recently. Screening Committee Head, Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy quit to return to congress. 

Konda Visweswara Reddy, a senior BJP leader in Telangana, has gone as far as threatening to resign if his constituency seats are allocated to Janasena. He conducted an online Twitter poll to highlight the prevailing sentiment that an alliance with Janasena would primarily benefit BRS/Congress rather than the BJP. This raises the question of why the leaders pushed for the Janasena Alliance against the wishes of the party's cadre. The selection of Janasena seats in areas traditionally aligned with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) suggests a deliberate strategy to prevent Congress from weakening due to Janasena's presence. Visweswara Reddy finally got serilingampally to be removed from the Janasena list. Party incharges of BJP who were expecting tickets for the 8 seats allocated to Janasena are now furious. Kukatpally BJP Incharge, Businessmen Mummareddy Premkumar has already joined Janasena and received the Janasena Ticket. Political Analysts know that Janasena does not have the party setup and is entirely dependent on TDP party for the election.  Haryana Governor, Bandaru Dattatreya's daughter has been denied seat by BJP leadership. She is reported to be contemplating leaving BJP. 

Kasani Gnaneswar, the TDP Incharge of Telangana, resigned from the TDP, alleging that Naidu had instructed them to vote for the Congress. This apparent inconsistency, where Naidu supports the BJP in Andhra Pradesh but openly backs the Congress in Telangana, raises questions, especially considering his recent release on medical grounds in time for Telangana campaigning.

It is a well-known fact that the BJP has often played a subordinate role to the TDP in past two decades, as reported in various national newspapers. Party units have historically been led by TDP loyalists, which has hindered the growth of mass leaders and second-rung leadership within the BJP. The lack of strong mass leaders has contributed to the argument that the BJP needs TDP support to win. Moreover, this has resulted in a perceived divide within the party, with distinct groups supporting the TDP and the BJP. District committees in the Telugu states are predominantly led by Naidu loyalists, causing disillusionment among party loyalists who feel that the BJP has transformed into "Naidu's BJP."  In 2019, an article in The Week openly questioned whether the BJP was being controlled by Chandrababu Naidu, a concern that remains unresolved given the continued influence of pro-TDP groups in the Andhra Pradesh BJP.

AV Subba Reddy, a BJP loyalist with a 37-year history in the party, has launched the "Purandeswari Hatao, BJP Bachao" campaign to voice his concerns about Purandeswari's alignment with Chandrababu Naidu. He alleges that Purandeswari has favored her caste in key appointments and marginalized other castes. Subba Reddy's criticism extends to her changing stance regarding the YSRCP, highlighting her apparent bias. Many BJP loyalists have escalated this issue to the top leadership, leading to confusion among the cadre as to why the party continues to align with groups associated with Chandrababu Naidu rather than promoting genuine second-rung leaders in the Telugu states. Subba Reddy has called upon the top leadership to rescue the party by removing Purandeswari as BJP President. 

Modiji is arriving in telangana on Nov.7 to address a public meeting. Hope he instructs to resolve these issues.