Andhra Pradesh

Demand for change causes stir in TDP

K. Venkateshwarlu

HYDERABAD: "Change your mindset" were the most constantly heard buzzwords in the corridors of power and the party when the TDP supremo, N. Chandrababu Naidu, presided over the destiny of the State for most part of the last decade.

Eleven months out of power and political fortunes on a downward slide, his catchword has come in handy for his detractors within the party to impress upon and remind him that charity begins at home. The chant of the some of the senior leaders from Khammam and Guntur that " more than the cadre, it is the top leadership that need to change", heard during the recent Polit Bureau and the executive meetings, has caused a stir in the party and indeed embarrassed Mr. Naidu.

But on Tuesday the TDP leadership was busy downplaying these murmurs of protest being heard for the first time after the party lost power. Party sources said the leadership had not taken kindly to these barbs. It was quite surprising that some of these leaders who had enjoyed power as Ministers for nine long years should come up with such observations now against the leadership.

The fire fighting team of leaders feels the party will not be affected by such rumblings. Instead, it would concentrate on its "focussed approach" of "winning back the hearts of people by fighting for their cause," evenwhile gearing up for the municipal elections. The party is expecting to spring a surprise in the municipal elections. It feels the Congress need not gloat over its Assembly election success. It may prove to be a short-lived one, "going by its poor performance and the way the Government is caught in scams".

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu