Telugu Desam Party leaders in Telangana are growing restless as there is no clarity on the party’s strategy for the upcoming local body elections. While many leaders have shifted to other parties over time, a few loyal families who have been associated with TDP since NTR’s era are still holding on with hope.
Though there was talk of expanding the party’s base in Telangana, TDP has suddenly gone silent. This silence has sparked doubts on whether the party is seriously planning to contest or simply staying inactive.
A few months ago, Nara Lokesh visited the NTR Bhavan in Hyderabad and met local leaders. He reportedly advised them to strengthen the cadre and be ready to contest whenever needed. Lokesh’s message had given confidence to the lower-level leaders, but since then, there has been no visible follow-up from the party.
Now, with the Telangana State Election Commission issuing notification for the five-phase local body polls, which include Panchayat, MPTC, and ZPTC elections, the lack of direction from the party high command has become a hot topic. Nominations for these elections are set to begin on the 9th of next month.
The big question is whether TDP will contest these local elections to test its strength or stay away altogether. Leaders believe that even if the results are not in their favor, contesting would at least help bring the party closer to the people and revive its presence in Telangana.
At present, there is no active leadership to steer TDP in Telangana, and even NTR Bhavan looks deserted. Videos of the empty premises going viral on social media have only fueled doubts about TDP’s existence in the state.
Political observers say that if Chandrababu Naidu really wants TDP to play a role in Telangana politics, local elections could be the best platform to reintroduce the party. But for now, the party remains silent, and everyone is waiting to see what decision will come from the top leadership.
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