The Telugu Desam party’s first Mahandau (biennial convention) after bifurcation of the united State to be held here for three days from May 27 will focus on ways to develop TDP into a national party, strengthen the organisation in Telangana and appreciate the Chandrababu Naidu government for ‘fulfilling’ major poll promises in spite of severe financial crunch.
EC recognition
The party has already appointed a committee comprising senior leaders led by Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu to study the steps needed to expand the party and start units in neighbouring States as part of the plans to emerge as a national party and get recognition from the Election Commission.
Apart from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, TDP leadership took up membership drive in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
A party central committee headed by Mr. Chandrababu Naidu is expected to be formed apart from two State Committees of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh TDP units.
Although it is being speculated in TDP circles that Chief Minister’s son and coordinator of TDP Workers Welfare Fund, Nara Lokesh might be given a bigger role in the party, it is not clear whether it would be at the Mahanadu or subsequently.
Among the political resolutions, the Mahanadu while appreciating the help rendered by the Centre to Andhra Pradesh so far, would seek greater financial assistance to the State on a range of issues, including new capital’s construction and the multipurpose Polavaram project.
Even as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley reportedly cited technical difficulty in granting Special Category Status to AP, the issue is expected to get prominent mention.
Separate resolutions
Separate resolutions pertaining to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana States would be adopted at the meet.
The need to galvanise the party rank and file in Telangana in the wake of the attempts by ruling TRS to wean away TDP leaders would also be accorded priority at the three-day conclave, especially with the crucial elections to Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation to be held soon.
