Factional Rift Erupts in Badvel TDP
Factional differences within the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) came to the fore in Badvel on Friday as supporters of two rival leaders raised slogans in the presence of Minister S. Savitha, turning a reconciliation meeting into a heated confrontation.
The minister had visited Badvel to mediate between the supporters of Rithish Reddy and Surya Narayana Reddy and restore unity within the party. However, the meeting descended into chaos as both groups demanded that their respective leader be appointed as the party in-charge for the constituency.
According to party sources, the TDP leadership has reportedly sidelined Rithish Reddy and is considering handing over full responsibility of the constituency to Surya Narayana Reddy. This decision triggered protests from rival supporters, who raised slogans and refused to back down despite the minister's intervention.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Savitha urged party workers to maintain discipline and warned that she would report the developments to Chief Minister and TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu if the infighting continued. She reminded party cadres that internal disputes could damage the party's image ahead of future elections.
Despite her appeal, supporters of both factions continued shouting slogans, creating a tense atmosphere and disrupting the meeting. The incident highlighted the growing factionalism within the party's Badvel unit.
