TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu is reportedly planning to leave the Kuppam Assembly segment in his native Chittoor district, being represented by him now, to his son Lokesh.
Naidu has almost anointed Lokesh as his political heir in the party by making him take an active part in TDP’s two-day annual fete Mahanadu, which began here on Monday.
According to party sources, Naidu is planning to contest from both Kuppam and Serilingampally Assembly constituency in Rangareddy district in the ensuing general elections.
After winning the two seats, which he is confident of, Naidu will give up the Kuppam seat to make way for his son to contest the bypoll, party sources said.
It will be first time for Naidu to contest from two Assembly constituencies. Till now, he preferred to contest for only one seat in every general election since the beginning of his political career.
Party insiders say Naidu has developed Hyderabad into a world-class city by setting up various projects here during his regime. So, there is tremendous following for him in and around Hyderabad, they say.
“Naidu wants to utilise the clout that he enjoys among the people of Hyderabad. As TDP is strong in Serilingampally Assembly constituency, Naidu is planning to contest from there. Since separatist parties are trying to portray Naidu as an outsider in Telangana, he feels that contesting from a seat here will help him win over Telangana people,” a senior TDP leader said.
Contrary to the expectations of party leaders, the TDP chief would not allow Lokesh to contest the general elections, but use him for electioneering, sources said. However, after winning Kuppam and Serilingampally seats, Naidu would give up Kuppam for his son’s debut.
Lokesh has been overseeing TDP’s affairs in Kuppam for the last one year to earn the acceptance of party cadre.
