Daggupati Purandeswari is considered to be one of the senior leaders in AP BJP. But gradually, her influence is beginning to wane after change of guard. There was speculation that she would replace Kanna Lakshminarayana, but it did not come true. Absence of any of her followers in the 40-member new executive committee announced by party state president Somu Veeerraju confirms her reduced clout in the party.
Veerraju against Purandeswari?
Purandeswari is said to be one of those BJP leaders who tried to prevent the appointment of Somu Veerraju as state party chief. She was also seen as one of contestants for the post. Hence, Veerraju reportedly is keeping her away from the party affairs. She has not been taking part in any programmes for the last 3 months. Except condemning a statement by a minister on the Antarvedi chariot fire incident, there have been no press statements from her either.
She used to be in second spot in party programmes when Kanna Lakshminarayana was party state president. She would be seen on dais at any programme of the party during his tenure. But she has been silent since the replacement of Lakshminarayana.
National hopes
Kanna is said to be upset over being removed from the post overnight without prior information. He has not been active since then, but he has limited options politically since he can’t go into YSRCP or TDP. He will have to remain in the BJP.
He is said to be telling his aides that the party will accommodate him in a national post. On Purandeswari, the party is keeping mum. She may not get any responsibility at national level either. Her staunch support to farmers of Amaravati might have cost her dearly in the party.
Paying for attack on YSRCP
Purandeswari’s strong criticism of YSRCP government over betrayal of Amaravati farmers is said to have irked the BJP top brass. The party has removed the key leaders of the party who lambasted the YSRCP on Amaravati issue. The tacit understanding and secret friendship between the two parties has become an open secret in recent months. On many occasions, YSRCP has come to the rescue of BJP in Parliament in getting legislations passed despite BJP being short of majority in Rajya Sabha.
In this backdrop, the BJP sent a strong signal to its leaders in the state that they will be in soup if they attack YSRCP. Somu Veerraju has been chosen as state party chief because his proclivity towards YSRCP is well-known.
But RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal are angry with Veerraju for his soft approach towards the Jagan government with regard to attacks on Hindu temples in the state. However, this may not pose a major threat to his post for now.