Internal discord surfaced on Sunday following the replacement of the candidate for the Madakasira Assembly constituency in Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh.
The party decided to nominate party SC Cell leader MS Raj for the Madakasira Assembly constituency ticket, replacing Dr. Sunil.
This move sparked protests from Sunil's supporters, who expressed their displeasure by disrespecting a vinyl-sheet photograph of former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, slapping it with slippers.
The protesters voiced their grievances against Naidu, accusing him of unfairly treating genuine leaders who had diligently contributed to the party's growth across all spheres.
Madakasira Assembly constituency was one of four constituencies where the party opted to change its candidates.
The decision to alter candidates in select constituencies was made after gathering feedback from party members, considering various factors.