The TDP has been shocked by Chandrababu Naidu’s detention, and the ongoing events have taken an unexpected turn. While Naidu might have expected to be arrested, he probably wasn’t prepared for how it would unfold, including the refusal of bail.
As Naidu faces charges in the skill development scam case as A-37, his judicial remand caught him off guard, especially since previous accused individuals had been granted bail. This situation has left the TDP in a state of crisis, with the absence of Naidu needing to be filled by a prominent leader.
Rumors are swirling within the party, reigniting the discussion of Nandamuri versus Nara leadership. Differences seem to have emerged between Balayya and Lokesh regarding who should lead the party during the protests. Balayya has called for high-level meetings and protests against the state government, indicating his willingness to take the lead. Meanwhile, Lokesh is also holding press conferences, further fueling speculation of a leadership dispute.
While senior leaders appear to be leaning towards Balayya, younger leaders seem to be looking to Lokesh. TDP leaders, however, vehemently deny any discord, attributing the rumors to a supposed conspiracy by the YSRCP to weaken the party. They maintain that the TDP and its senior leaders are united and will navigate this crisis successfully.