KURNOOL: Nandyal by-election has become a headache for two key leaders from the ruling and opposition parties. One is TDP MLC Silpa Chakrapani Reddy and another is former YSRCP MLA Katasani Rami Reddy.
The Reason: Their own family members are contesting the election from rival parties, which has put them in a tight spot. Chakrapani Reddy’s brother Silpa Mohan Reddy is contesting the polls on the YSRC ticket while Katasani Rami Reddy’s son-in-law Bhuma Brahmananda Reddy is the TDP candidate.
TDP leader Silpa Mohan Reddy had expected a party ticket, but TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu chose Brahmananda Reddy of Bhuma family — the cousin of Tourism Minister Bhuma Akhila Priya. Before Bhuma family shifted its loyalties to the TDP, it was with the YSRC and Nandyal happened to be YSRC bastion.
At present, MLC Silpa Chakrapani Reddy is on a foreign visit and is reportedly in Malaysia. During Naidu’s recent visit to Nandyal, some party members criticised that Chakrapani Reddy did it intentionally. On the other hand, his supporters said that undue preference is being given to Akhila Priya group, which is not sitting well with the lower rung leaders and cadre in the district. Some of the TDP leaders are stating that given the situation, Chakrapani Reddy might not campaign for the party seriously.
However, he had time and again made it clear that he is very loyal to the party and will be campaigning for party candidate Bhuma Brahmananda Reddy. He reiterated that he would not leave the party.
Similarly, Katasani Rami Reddy said that his loyalty to YSRC party is unwavering and he will wholeheartedly campaign for Silpa Mohan Reddy. He said it is not uncommon to find family members contesting elections on opposite sides.
The big question now in the minds of people closely following the developments is: Will the two leaders prefer party to family? Just wait and see.