The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has suspended seven leaders in Vijayawada ahead of the local body elections for allegedly defying the party leadership and contesting as rebels. The move comes as the TDP, Jana Sena and BJP are contesting the elections together under their alliance arrangement.
Seat-sharing has reportedly caused dissatisfaction among some local leaders who were denied tickets in certain divisions allocated to alliance partners. Despite efforts by the party leadership to resolve the issue, Kakollu Mahendranath (Bobby), Kommineni Suresh and Madala Satyavathi filed nominations as rebel candidates.
The party also suspended Devarapu Malyadri, Gedam Srinivasa Rao, Kota Narayana and Chandrasekhar for allegedly supporting Bobby. The leadership reportedly viewed their actions as a challenge to official candidates and party discipline.
The suspensions have become a major talking point in Vijayawada politics. The action signals the party’s attempt to maintain unity within the alliance and prevent internal disputes from affecting its election campaign.