Ex-deputy CM is now a TDP standby in three constituencies!

He was the home minister and the deputy chief minister in Chandrababu government and played a key role in Kapu politics. But, today, he is not sure where he would contest from. Senior TDP leader Nimmakayala China Rajappa is finding that he has been reduced to being a 'stand-by' in East Godavari politics.

Rajappa has won from Peddapuram constituency twice and is planning to contest from the same seat again. He has also been organizing several voter outreach programmes in the same constituency. But, party chief Chandrababu Naidu appears to be having other ideas on China Rajappa.

According to TDP insiders, he has been asked by the party chief to be prepared to contest from either Ramachandrapuram or Kakinada or Kothapet. As for Ramachandrapuram, there is likely to be a contest between sitting MLA-minister Chelluboyina Venu and Pilli family. Both are from the Settibalija community. Chandrababu feels that China Rajappa, a kapu, will be able to win due to the split in the Settibalija votes.

In Kakinada, TDP leader Vanamadi Kondababu is seen as being unable to take on YSRCP MLA Dwarampudi Chandrasekhara Reddy. Hence, China Rajappa is likely to be sent as the candidate. Chandrababu feels he would be able to get the Kapu votes in Kakinada and win. Similarly, in Kothapet, he could be sent as a compromise candidate in view of the groupism in the party.

As a result, China Rajappa is unsure where to contest from. He is said to be confused at being a stand-by for three constituencies..