A big relief for TDP cadre

The arrest of TDP supremo and former Chief Minister Nara Chandra Babu Naidu on September 9th in the alleged Skill Development case has thrown the regional party into a big crisis in Andhra Pradesh. Even though Nara Lokesh is emerging as a strong leader who can take on the mantle and lead the party and Pawan Kalyan openly voted in favor of the JSP – TDP alliance, many leaders and a majority of the TDP cadre still feel that only Chandra Babu Naidu’s charisma can bring back the glory of the party in 2024 elections.

Immediately after the dramatic arrest of Naidu, everyone expected that the high court would give judgment in his favor to quash the petition. Unfortunately, it was a big setback when the court rejected his appeal and ordered judicial remand. As expected, Naidu immediately approached the Supreme Court for relief. However, it didn’t serve the purpose because the apex court kept on deferring the case citing multiple reasons.

Even after 50 days, it appeared like Naidu would get no respite in the near future and the party cadre was losing hope for his return from jail. There have been rumors that Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government is hell-bent on putting him behind bars till the next elections. They even registered multiple cases on him in due time. As polls in AP are just 6 months away, the TDP party needed the experience and poll management skills of Naidu to triumph over the strong YSRCP in 2024. So, they hoped that Naidu would get bail at least by the end of this year.

Luckily, the state High Court granted interim bail for Naidu on health grounds till November 28th. The TDP supremo was out on bail on Tuesday and received a tremendous response from his cadre en route to his residence in Undavalli. Thousands of partymen gathered all through the route taken by Naidu’s convey to reach his residence. He got a roaring reception with a huge turnout on roads late at midnight despite massive restrictions by the ruling government.

Naidu’s release after 52 days came as a huge relief to TDP leaders and its cadre. The way he was received by the people after he came out of Rajamahendravaram Central Prison filled huge confidence in the partymen. They now believe that the TDP – Jansena alliance can oust the Jagan government in the 2024 elections.

Meanwhile, Jagan Mohan Reddy and his government are likely to make intense efforts and charge Naidu with more cases to ensure that he is back behind bars and handicap the TDP ahead of polls.