Paralakhemundi: In an attempt to get the status of a national party, the Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh has set its eyes on entire southern part of the state, a report said.
The party has prepared a blue print to realise its dream and the local leaders have been asked to woo Telugu-speaking voters in Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Nabarangpur districts, it was learnt.
Apart from Gosani and Kashinagar blocks, there is a sizeable population of Telugu-speaking people in Paralakhemundi municipality. It would be easier for TDP to get a foothold in Orissa politics by swaying Telugu voters in their favour, party’s senior leaders believe.
Besides, TDP can join hands with any other political party of the state for its initial gains, sources said. Union minister and one of TDP’s senior leaders K Gajapati Raju hinted as much during his visit to Berhampur June 14. A new political equation is emerging in this region with TDP’s ambitious endeavor, according to political analysts in southern Orissa.
It may be noted that TDP leader K Rammohan Naidu and K Achhnna Naidu had attended some programmes in Paralakhemundi October 4, 2015. At that time they met some prominent Telugu personalities of the area and revealed their plan to strengthen the party’s organisation in the town. Similarly, TDP had taken out a foot-march October 17, 2015 over setting up of AP’s new capital at Amaravati. TDP’s spokesperson for Srikakulum district Apala Naidu and another senior leader even had garlanded the statue of Sri
Krushnachandra Gajapati Narayan Dev to impress local voters.
Meanwhile, political observers are of the opinion that TDP with its rising popularity in southern Orissa districts can become a potential threat to ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
However, the party’s district president Pradip Nayak doesn’t feel any pressure over the development. Presence of TDP will have no impact on the BJD’s electoral prospects since several such outfits in the past had tried to strengthen their position in the state but in vain, Nayak said.
Similarly, senior Congress leader and local MLA K Suriya Rao said TDP’s entry would make no difference to the vote share of the party. They are not worried about it, says BJP’s district president G Venket Ravana.
“TDP’s support base is increasing slowly but steadily. Several programmes would be launched before a year of the state election”, said a TDP supporter Dananna Pradeep of the town. PNN
