Chandrababu’s arrest: Will Balayya Babu launch state-wide tour?

Is the Telugu Desam Party preparing for a big move to counter the YSRCP, which has struck a masterstroke by putting the hitherto invincible Chandrababu behind the bars? There is a strong demand within the TDP to bring in actor-MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna into the political boxing ring.

Plans are reportedly afoot to make him undertake a padayatra across Andhra Pradesh. He is likely to undertake a state-wide yatra to console those who have died of shock on hearing Chandrababu Naidu’s arrest. Balakrishna himself announced that he would meet each of the bereaved families very soon.

In another indication that he would play a more active role, Balakrishna suddenly materialized at the party office in Tadepalli on Tuesday and attended a meeting with senior leaders like Kambhampati Rammohan Rao and others. They were believed to have taken stock of the political scenario in the state post the arrest of Chandrababu.

Meanwhile, Nara Lokesh, who is also the party’s national general secretary, is likely to resume his Yuva Galam padayatra, which was halted post the arrest of Chandrababu Naidu. As of now, Lokesh is coordinating the party’s response to the arrest. However, some party leaders reportedly feel that he should resume his yatra and Balakrishna should take the lead in the party.