Chalasani Srinivas, president of the Andhra Intellectuals Forum, who spearheaded the movement against bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh before 2014, has warned the Telugu Desam Party, the main partner in the present coalition government in the state of the political game plan of capturing power in the state.
In a strongly worded Facebook post, Chalasani alleged that the BJP is pursuing a long-term strategy to weaken regional parties in Andhra Pradesh, as it is trying to do in Bihar by subjugating Janata Dal (U).
In his post, Srinivas claimed there is a perception that Prime Minister Narendra Modi still treats YSR Congress Party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy as a “political protégé,” arguing that the former chief minister had cooperated with the Centre even while issues such as special category status and promises made during Andhra Pradesh’s bifurcation remained unresolved.
He further alleged that BJP leaders do not fully trust TDP chief and chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, and suggested the party might be attempting to cultivate his son Nara Lokesh politically. He said the BJP’s long-term political objective is to eventually dismantle the TDP and absorb its voter base.
He argued that since the YSRCP has strong minority support — voters who may not shift to the BJP — the party might attempt to attract sections of the TDP’s traditional social base through ideological mobilization.
Srinivas also expressed concern that the TDP’s ideological orientation is gradually shifting under the influence of what he described as “Sanatan and northern political currents.”
He warned that if emotional and religious polarization increases, some TDP supporters could ultimately migrate toward the BJP.
The activist also questioned the allocation of Rajya Sabha seats to leaders from outside Andhra Pradesh. “The BJP which could not win even 1% vote share in the last elections, has already been given two Rajya Sabha seats. There is no need to give a third RS seat to it,” he said.
He urged the TDP leadership to prioritize representation for backward classes within the state. He said political leaders in the state should protect the self-respect and political interests of the Telugu people and be wary of the BJP game plan.