Union Textile Minister Kavuri Sambasiva Rao is apparently finding it difficult to keep his flock together in his native Eluru constituency and he has his silence to blame for it.
In the absence of a clear directive from their leader, Kavuri’s loyalists are unable to decide their next course of action. Immediately after the Telangana Bill was passed in the Parliament, Mr. Rao sought his supporters’ feedback, dropping broad hints on his possible defection from the Congress.
While he continues to be a Minister in the UPA government and a primary member of the Congress, Mr. Rao kept himself away from the recent Congress-sponsored bus yatra in the district. Moreover, he is also not in touch with his supporters in the constituency In 2004 general elections, Mr. Rao migrated from Machilipatnam and wrested the MP’s seat for two consecutive terms from Eluru.
He built a strong cadre base by championing the cause of upland farmers and fishermen of Kolleru lake area.
Loyalty questionIn the absence of guidance from their leader, the cadre has now become vulnerable to poaching by rival parties. A section of his supporters, who have been sailing with him for the last 10 years, displayed their loyalty to the Congress by attending the bus yatra while a few others are being wooed by the YSRC, the TDP and the BJP.
A key functionary, Kamineni Srinivas from Kaikalur, recently joined the BJP while Ghanta Murali Ramakrishna, who became the chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Irrigation Development Board with the Minister’s blessings, is reportedly being lured by the YSRC. Erosion of cadre is also seen in Denduluru, Eluru, Nuzvid, Polavaram and Ungutur segments.
Speculations were rife on Mr. Rao’s plans to join the TDP but later, his meeting with the BJP president Rajnathsingh indicated a tilt towards that party.
Leaving everybody guessing, the Minister does not seem to be in a mood to break his silence over the issue.
