Naidu cracks whip on Kuppam TDP leaders over groupism

Tirupati: Publicexchanges between local TDP leaders in Kuppam have drawn the ire of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who cautioned party leaders against indiscipline and groupism, stating that such incidents were damaging the party’s image in his long-held constituency.

Internal differences within the TDP in Kuppam came to the fore during the party’s 44th foundation day celebrations, where speeches by local leaders exposed growing dissatisfaction within the constituency unit.

The remarks, made in a public forum, reportedly sent uncomfortable signals to party cadres, many of whom felt that internal issues should not have been aired openly as it could tarnish the image of both the party and the Chief Minister.

The controversy began when APIIC member and former Kuppam mandal TDP president Prem Kumar alleged that certain senior leaders were being influenced by individuals around them and were allocating positions selectively. Grassroots workers who were actively working in villages were being ignored and demanded that committed leaders be recognised and given opportunities in the upcoming local body elections.

MLC and Government Whip Kancharla Srikanth responded strongly to these allegations, criticising local-level leaders for failing to work effectively among the people. Party members to refrain from making accusations based on rumours and instead focus on strengthening the party organisation at the grassroots level. Videos of both speeches were later circulated widely on social media, bringing the issue to the attention of the party high command. Reacting swiftly, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu summoned senior leaders from Kuppam to his residence in Undavalli on Sunday. According to party sources, he expressed serious displeasure over the continuation of group politics in the constituency and directed leaders to set aside personal differences and work collectively.

Naidu reportedly reminded leaders that Kuppam was his political home turf and warned that indiscipline would not be tolerated. He observed that groupism among local leaders was causing damage to the party at the grassroots level and weakening coordination among cadres. Senior leaders were advised to shed negligence and maintain better coordination with lower-level workers to strengthen the party structure.

Stressing accountability, Naidu reportedly said he was closely monitoring the functioning and conduct of leaders in the constituency and warned that strict disciplinary action would be taken against those who failed to change their approach. He reportedly set a deadline by the time he visits Kuppam in June for visible improvement, making it clear that disciplinary measures would follow if factional disputes continued.

The party leadership is understood to have acted quickly to contain the situation, especially in view of the upcoming local body elections, as internal conflicts at this stage could affect organisational unity and electoral prospects. Among those who attended the meeting in Amaravati were MLC Srikanth, APSRTC Vice Chairman PS Munirathnam, PKM-UDA Chairman Dr Suresh Babu, along with several key mandal-level leaders.