The resignation of Vijayawada MP Kesineni Nani from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and his subsequent shift to the YSR Congress party have stirred notable relief, particularly for the industrialist-turned-politician Potluri Vara Prasad, widely known as PVP. This move seemingly clears the hurdles that Kesineni had created for the PVP’s potential entry into the TDP.
For the past two years, Kesineni has been a significant obstacle to the PVP’s entry into the TDP, engaging in a public war of words on social media. The animosity reached its peak during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, when the PVP contested unsuccessfully against Kesineni Nani, losing by a narrow margin of around 8,000 votes.
PVP has actively sought TDP membership, but the party president and former chief minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, have refrained from granting clearance, primarily due to Kesineni’s influence. With Kesineni’s departure from the TDP stemming from the denial of a Lok Sabha ticket for the upcoming elections, the PVP has initiated direct criticism on social media, specifically X (formerly Twitter).
In a pointed comment, PVP remarked, “The vehicle has already come for repair. The only thing is that the garage has changed. That’s all. The entire Vijayawada knows this fellow’s mind, isn’t it?” This statement reflects PVP’s belief that Kesineni’s departure doesn’t alter the underlying dynamics.
Furthermore, the PVP labeled Kesineni Nani a burden for Vijayawada, attributing his political survival over the past decade to the TDP’s support. He accused Kesineni Nani of financial improprieties, including bank looting and exploiting people and employees.
While the PVP’s future political affiliation remains uncertain, the likelihood of him securing the Vijayawada seat seems dim. However, Naidu cannot easily dismiss PVP due to his considerable financial influence and stakes in the entertainment industry. The shifting political landscape in Andhra Pradesh adds intrigue to whether the PVP will align with the TDP or explore alternative political avenues.
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