After hectic consultations, the TDP has decided that Narsapuram sitting MP K Raghuramakrishnam Raju will be contesting as a TDP candidate from Undi assembly seat. TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu conducting a review at the party’s zonal incharges meeting on Thursday, changed candidates at four assembly segments.
Though Naidu tried to convince BJP to spare Narsapur Lok Sabha seat for Raju, the BJP seems to be was adamant and already issued B-Form to its candidate Srinivasa Verma. So, TDP chief decided to Field him from Undi.
As TDP has already announced sitting MLA Manthena Ramaraj as its candidate from Undi, Naidu entrusted his party leaders with the responsibility of dissuading him from contesting. In this order, it was decided to appoint Rama Raju as the district president of the party.
TDP has also changed its candidate in Madugu in Anakapalli district. Earlier the seat was given to NRI Paila Prasada Rao. But it was found he is lagging behind in campaign at the field level, so it was decided to field former minister and party senior leader Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy as the candidate.
TDP also decided to replace the present candidate Anil Kumar in Madakasira (SC) of Sri Sathya Sai district, as former MLC Thippeswamy’s faction is strongly opposing his candidature. Now it was decided to field party state Dalith wing president MS Raju. Originally his name was initially considered as party candidate for Bapatla (SC) Lok Sabha, but that was not materialised.
Annamaya district Thamballapalle candidate Jayachandra Reddy is also going to be changed, as he is lagging behind in the campaign. Moreover, there were widespread allegations that he had business relations with the rival camp. TDP is considering four names for this seat.
Meanwhile, excitement continues on the candidate of Denduluru assembly seat in Eluru district, as BJP is insisting for this seat to give up its seat Anaparthi in East Godavari district. However, TDP cadre is particular to field former MLA Chinthamaneni Prabhakar as its candidate. TDP Eluru Lok Sabha candidate Putta Mahesh Yadav is also opposed to giving this seat to BJP, fearing that would have an impact on his Lok Sabha seat.