The rumour doing the rounds that 3 more TDP Vizag MLAs are set to leave the party is dampening the spirits of Visakhapatnam unit. As of now, the Visakhapatnam city TDP has become a rudderless boat. Former ministers Ayyanna Patrudu and Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy and former Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao have been doing their best to keep the party together in the port city, but the morale is still low.
Visakhapatnam West MLA Ganababu is participating in a series of protests, but in virtual mode. Another city MLA Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu who actively participated in party programmes was slapped with several cases leading to him becoming quiet. It is being reported that TDP MLAs are under tremendous pressure to join the ruling YSRCP party.
Cadre left with only a few options
Amidst the ongoing uncertainty, the party cadre has only a few options left before them. They either have to follow their leader who join the ruling party, or distance themselves from the party activities for the next couple of years, or continue to work for the party without bothering about what leaders do. Lack of strong leadership to boost their confidence seems to be demoralising the party in the financial capital of AP.
In the given situation, several leaders think that the best option for them is to distance themselves from politics for some time because it is difficult to work their way up after joining the ruling party. They are privy to TDP leaders, who have joined YSRCP, complaining about the cold shoulders they have been receiving since joining the party.
Does Visakha TDP need young leadership?
Former Minister Ayyanna Patrudu is trying to boost the morale of the cadre in Visakhapatnam South Assembly constituency after sitting MLA Vasupalli Ganesh jumped ship. Police foisting false cases has been weighing heavily on the minds of leaders and party workers. Many supporters feel fearless youth leadership is the only remedy for all the ills plaguing the Visakha TDP unit. The need of the hour is to raise a banner of revolt against the excesses of the ruling party and be conspicuous as the main opposition.
