K Varaprasadarao
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has intensified its political offensive against former minister of the YSR Congress Party Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, who had previously targeted TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. Peddireddy received a significant setback today as Punganur Municipal chairman Aleem Bhasha and 12 other municipal councilors from the YSR Congress switched allegiance to the TDP. The TDP is actively working to weaken Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, who had previously hampered TDP’s impact in local body elections in Chittor district and particularly in Chandrbabu’s own constituency Kuppam. Peddireddy’s strategies had resulted in TDP’s poor performance in the district, including defeats in Naidu’s stronghold of Kuppam. The long-standing political rivalry between Chandrababu Naidu and Peddireddy has now escalated. Less than a month after the YSR Congress’s defeat in the general elections and TDP’s rise to power, the TDP has launched a targeted campaign against Peddireddy. Today’s defections are part of this strategy. Punganur Constituency TDP Incharge Challa Ramachandra Reddy, also known as Challa Babu, facilitated the switch of the municipal chairman and councilors, delivering a major blow to Peddireddy. Following the YSR Congress Party’s heavy defeat in the recent elections, several lower-level leaders have moved to the ruling TDP. This shift means that Punganur Municipality will now fall under TDP control. According to TDP leader Challa Ramachandra Reddy’s strategy, more councilors from the YSR Congress are expected to join the TDP in the coming week. Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, a close associate of former chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, had wielded considerable influence over several districts during the YSR Congress’s tenure. Despite the presence of MLAs and Ministers in various districts, Peddireddy held significant power. The recent defections signify a shift in political dynamics, challenging his long-standing dominance in the region