The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) must heed the lessons of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) debacle, caused primarily by the controversial and offensive comments made by its leaders. During his tenure, leaders like Roja, Kodali Nani, Vallabhaneni Vamsi, Ambati Rambabu and Perni Nani made derogatory comments that alienated the public. Roja’s insult towards Pawan Kalyan, now Deputy Chief Minister, by calling him “a 55-year-old donkey”, and Nani and Vamsi’s derogatory comments about Bhuvaneswari, wife of Chandrababu Naidu (CBN), were particularly damaging. Rambabu and Perni Nani’s incessant verbal attacks also irritated the people. Currently, there are concerns that TDP leaders may be starting to follow a similar path, which the CBN and Pawan should address immediately.
Despite assurances from Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and IT Minister Nara Lokesh that the new government would refrain from vindictive policies and allow the law to take its course, some TDP leaders appear to be adopting aggressive tactics.
Minister of Agriculture, Atchannaidu:
Agriculture Minister Atchannaidu has been in the news for his controversial comments, stating that officials should prioritize helping TDP cadres. He recalled the difficulties faced by his leaders and activists during the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government and promised to speed up their work in government offices. A video clip of her speech has gone viral, generating debate. At a rally attended by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Atchannaidu assured TDP workers that they would be treated with respect by government officials and threatened to fire any employee who did not comply.
Ayyanna Patrudu
Ayyanna Patrudu recently created a sensation when she lashed out at municipal and irrigation officials in Narsipatnam over the poor quality of road works. Angered by the potholes in his hometown, Patrudu summoned officials and reprimanded them. He warned: “I am going to be president and I will make you appear in the Assembly hall,” highlighting his discontent and authoritarian approach. Although his intention was good, the way he threatened government officials was not received positively by the public.
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, despite her commendable efforts to rid Andhra Pradesh of toxic substances, has come under fire for her aggressive statements. Her comments about selling marijuana on Amazon under the guise of curry leaves have become fodder for trolls. She instructed police to take strict action against anyone caught loitering or consuming marijuana after 8:30 or 9 p.m., a directive that has sparked widespread discussion. Although her intentions are noble, Anitha must be cautious with her words to avoid unnecessary controversies.
If the TDP leaders continue to make such mistakes, they could inadvertently strengthen the YSRCP, which would benefit from the TDP’s mistakes. Therefore, the TDP leadership must maintain decorum and focus on constructive governance to avoid repeating the mistakes of its predecessors.
