In the high-stakes arena of Andhra Pradesh politics, competition between the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has long transcended general political rivalry. What was previously considered party-oriented competition has come to be a longstanding feud — one that is only getting fiercer amid continuing arrests, probes, and political repression.
Fanning the flames is the recent news about Tiruvuru TDP MLA Kolikapudi Srinivasa Rao, who once again finds himself in the midst of a controversy. The MLA was recently spotted meeting top YSRCP leader and former minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy at the Rajahmundry Airport — an encounter captured in videos and photographs that have gone viral on social media websites.
The encounter comes at a sensitive time politically. Peddireddy’s son, YSRCP MP Mithun Reddy, is currently in judicial custody in connection with the high-profile Andhra Pradesh liquor scam. He was recently arrested and sent to Rajahmundry Central Jail on remand until August 1. Peddireddy had reportedly traveled to Rajahmundry to visit his son — and it was during this visit that the meeting with Kolikapudi took place.
Given the ongoing investigation and the political tension surrounding the liquor scam, Kolikapudi’s decision to meet a senior leader from the rival camp — and particularly the father of an accused in a major corruption case — has led to speculation and raised eyebrows within political circles.
This is not the first time that Kolikapudi Srinivasa Rao has landed in trouble. The MLA had earlier been facing internal flak from the TDP high command for his behaviour and statements. He had even made the headlines earlier by alleging that the Tiruvuru Sub-Inspector was engaged in illicit ganja trade, a fact that had triggered widespread controversy and attracted party-level scrutiny.
Now his public outing with Peddireddy has again set tongues wagging regarding his political strategy and motives, another controversy-filled moment in his already turbulent political career.
The optics of a TDP legislator greeting a senior YSRCP leader at a time of high political tensions are telling. Just when the investigation into the liquor scam is sending shockwaves through the state, even an informal encounter between leaders from rival camps can feed political gossip — and that’s precisely what’s unfolding now.
Political observers are of the view that this incident can have long-term implications, particularly as both TDP and YSRCP prepare to face important battles in the near future. With elections nearing and both parties strongly defending their versions, every step, encounter, and second is under the scanner.