Former Nellimarla MLA B. Appalanaidu joins TDP along with supporters

Former Nellimarla MLA B. Appalanaidu joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the presence of its Andhra Pradesh president Palla Srinivasa Rao and Home Minister V. Anitha, in a move expected to strengthen the ruling party’s position in Vizianagaram district.

Several former ZPTC members, sarpanches and supporters from the district also joined the TDP along with Appalanaidu. Srinivasa Rao and Anitha welcomed the new entrants by presenting them with party scarves.

Speaking on the occasion, Srinivasa Rao said Appalanaidu had joined the TDP after being impressed by the party’s ideology and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision. He expressed confidence that the former MLA’s entry would strengthen the party’s organisational base in the district.

Anitha described the development as a positive sign for the party and said the ruling alliance’s welfare and infrastructure initiatives in north coastal Andhra Pradesh were attracting leaders from other political parties.

Visakhapatnam district TDP president Chode Pattabhiram said Appalanaidu began his political career as a sarpanch before winning two terms in the Assembly. Appalanaidu’s entry, following that of Chinni Srinu, would further consolidate the TDP’s position in Vizianagaram district, he added.

Recalling his earlier association with the TDP, Appalanaidu said he had started his political journey with the party and described it as a disciplined organisation.

Taking a swipe at YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Appalanaidu referred to Jagan’s remarks about rolling up his sleeves and said the people had already taught Jagan a lesson.