The YSR Congress Party is learnt to have virtually closed all doors for former Vizianagaram Zilla Parishad chairman Majji Srinivasa Rao, alias Chinna Srinu, who recently defected to the Telugu Desam Party along with his daughter, Siri Sahasra.
As the nephew of senior YSRCP leader and former minister Botsa Satyanarayana, Chinna Srinu had a strong following among party cadres and was considered one of the most influential leaders in the district until recently.
When he made a surprise switch to the TDP a few days ago, there was speculation that the YSRCP in Vizianagaram could face a major split, with a large number of leaders and workers expected to follow him.
However, according to party sources, the YSRCP leadership had received indications about Chinna Srinu’s move in advance and alerted Botsa Satyanarayana.
Though reportedly hurt by his nephew’s decision, Botsa is said to have moved quickly to ensure that no major leader or large group of party workers followed Chinna Srinu into the TDP.
YSRCP North Andhra in-charge Kurasala Kannababu and senior leader K K Raju also stepped in to contain the possible damage caused by Chinna Srinu’s exit.
Botsa reportedly held a meeting with party leaders and workers, during which he became emotional and appealed to them to remain with the party.
Sources say the meeting helped create sympathy for him and persuaded several workers to stay back rather than follow Chinna Srinu.
At the same time, YSRCP president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy also moved quickly.
Former MP Bellana Chandrasekhar was appointed as the party’s Vizianagaram district president. The party also removed Nellimarla in-charge Baddukonda Appala Naidu, who is related to Chinna Srinu, and appointed ZPTC member Sanyasi Naidu in his place.
Though Appala Naidu said he would not join the TDP despite Chinna Srinu, his brother-in-law, switching sides, the YSRCP leadership is said to have remained unconvinced.
At the same time, there are reports that some TDP leaders in Vizianagaram are also opposing Appala Naidu’s possible entry into their party.
Botsa is meanwhile said to be holding discussions with leaders and supporters who were close to Chinna Srinu in an effort to prevent any further damage to the YSRCP, especially with local body elections approaching.
