Though TDP came to power in 2014, Payyavula Keshav could not make it to the Assembly. In a reversal of fate, he won from Uravakonda in the 2019 elections, but TDP lost. Thus he was deprived of a chance to become a minister on both occasions. The Cabinet post has been eluding him despite his oratorical skills, unblemished image and other qualifications to be a minister.
TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu made him chairman of Public Accounts Committee, which is a Cabinet rank post. Sources say he is somewhat satisfied with this, but he has not been as active and aggressive in recent times in party affairs as he used to be.
Is Payyavula in TDP?
Keshav used to be vocal in attacking the government and ruling party has fallen silent for the past few months. There is not even a press conference or statement despite political heat rising in the state with attacks on TDP supporters, attacks on temples and allegations of corruption. This silence prompted TDP leaders and activists to wonder if Keshav is still in TDP or if he is going to defect to YSRCP. However, it is reliably learnt that he is not going to quit TDP.
Who is behind his silence?
Party sources say that Keshav expected a berth in the cabinet after TDP romped home, but was left out because he lost the seat. He was apparently peeved at the party leadership. Now even after being installed as PAC chairman, he is staying aloof from party affairs. The YSRCP government is trying to silence opposition leaders by hook or crook. One of the fierce critics of Jagan government, K Atchannaidu, was booked in ESI scam and was sent to jail. As Keshav was not a minister, the government will have no chance to foist cases against him. However, it alleged that Keshav bought 5-acre land in the core capital area for his son, which it alleged as ‘insider trading’. Some think Keshav may have gone into silent mode as he fears that he may be harassed using this issue if he attacks the government. However, it is learnt that he is not well and has undergone treatment in a hospital in Hyderabad and returned to Uravakonda after being discharged.
Is he focusing on the party in Uravakonda?
Sources say Payyavula Keshav is confining himself to party affairs in Uravakonda. They said he is of the view that elections are four years away and there is no need to attack the misdeeds of the government this early.
