TDP MP may go scot-free, thanks to caste equations

HYDERABAD: Amidst high drama over Anantapur MP JC Diwakar Reddy's Visakhapatnam airport episode, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu is scheduled to meet party leaders from the district on Saturday. After Reddy's rowdyism caught national attention, Naidu is believed to be taking stock of incidents involving his family.

A few days ago, Naidu had suspended Reddy's nephew G Deepak Reddy after his involvement in Miyapur land scam came to light.

According to TDP sources, in his Saturday meeting with party leaders, Naidu would discuss recent events where the party's image had got a beating. A top TDP leader said that he was not sure if any action would be taken against him or if he would be asked to render an apology.

Party sources said any stern action on the MP was unlikely because of caste equations. During the last cabinet expansion, Naidu had roped in many Reddy leaders as he wanted to attract the community from the region. Traditionally, the Reddy community has been backing main Opposition leader YS Jaganmohan Reddy. "At this juncture, Naidu's action against the MP may be limited to just reprimanding him for his behaviour," they said.

"This is not the first time that Reddy has behaved like this. It was because of his antics, he was not considered for a Union cabinet berth under TDP quota despite his desperate attempts," said a top party leader.

According to political observers, Naidu is banking on some Reddy leaders like the Anantapur MP to send a message to the community that his party is all for their welfare. And, the controversial lawmaker has been openly asking the Reddy community to back Naidu.

On Several occasions, Reddy has urged his community to get rid of Jagan and be on the side of the TDP supremo. Known as a loose cannon, Reddy has not spared Naidu also in the past. At one point, he said he didn't believe in Naidu's pet Pattiseema project even when the TDP supremo was present on the dais.