Dealing With Dissidents, Chandrababu Style

With several ministerial aspirants from TDP on a warpath post-cabinet rejig, Chief Minister and TDP supremo Chandrababu is employing all the tricks in the trade to quell rebellion. Here's a lowdown on how he is dealing with those sullen and angry:

Threaten: This loudmouth MLA from Vijayawada Bonda Uma was the spearhead of Chandrababu's verbal attack on YSRCP in general and YS Jagan in particular. Chandrababu reportedly called him and threatened him to expose his illicit land dealings. He also warned of severe action against his acts of omission and commission. No wonder, Uma, though sullen, is also silent.

Ignore: Jyothula Nehru, who defected from the YSRCP into the TDP, is shocked. But, he cannot retaliate as his position has become untenable now. He is neither here, nor there.

Health Reasons Cited: Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy, a TDP loyalist has been removed citing health reasons. An angry Bojjala shot of a resignation in proper format to the speaker. Till now Chandrababu has not made any attempt to talk to him.

Offering another post: Palle Raghunatha Reddy, another Reddy loyalist of TDP found himself cold-shouldered in the cabinet rejig. Chandrababu has offered him Chief Whip post. He is still in two minds whether to take it or reject.

Ignore: Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary, a leader whose seniority in the party predates Chandrababu Naidu himself. But, he was again left out in the cabinet expansion. Angry Butchaiah shot off a missive to Chandrababu and made it public too. He was unsparing in his criticism of Chandrababu Naidu's ways. Chandrababu chose to ignore him. Senior leader and a member of the TDP shouting brigage, Dhulipala Narendra did not even merit a call from Chandrababu. Similarly, Chand Basha, who defected from the YSRCP, did not even manage to get an appointment. Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy, Gowthu Syamsundar Shivaji too got similar treatment.