It has been a common practice for the Telugu Desam Party to hold its annual party conclave Mahanadu on May 27 coinciding with the birth anniversary of party founder and former chief minister N T Rama Rao.
It is generally held for three days and on the concluding day, the party president would give directions to the party leaders and cadre on the action plan for the next one year. The same practice has been going on for several years.
However, this time, TDP president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu is said to be contemplating advancing the conduct of Mahanadu between May 15 to 17, at least 12 days before the original schedule.
According to party sources, the idea of preponing the Mahanadu came up for discussion in the party meeting after Naidu returned from his holiday trip in Himachal Pradesh.
Apparently, the TDP leaders felt that holding of Mahanadu on May 27 might not be possible due to announcement of results on May 23 and if the TDP comes back to power, Naidu would be busy in the formation of the new government and the time would be too short to make arrangements for the annual conclave.
But, the actual reason is said to be different. If the TDP loses power in the assembly elections, the entire party rank and file would be in a state of depression. And Naidu himself would be completely demoralized and would not be in a position to enthuse the party cadre.
So, the dispirited party will not be in a position to hold the Mahanadu within four days of losing power.
Moreover, it is learnt the party has proposed to hold Mahanadu this time in Hyderabad, mostly at Gandipet and make it a low-key affair.
This would also mean the party is sensing defeat in Andhra elections and hence, Naidu wants to hold it in a simple manner.