AP BJP MLC Somu Veerraju not a favourite of all

VIJAYAWADA: Though MLC Somu Veerraju was in the BJP since many years, there was str-ong opposition in giving him the leadership which seems to have played a part in denying him the state party unit chief post. 

Party sources indicated that except two Godavari districts, that too East Godavari, Mr Veerraju lacks support from the workers and leaders of the party from other districts and regions. In fact, letters were written to party national president Amit Shah, urging him not to appoint Mr Veerraju as the state party unit president.

Since Mr Veerraju has been in the party since many years and expected the party’s coveted post, he was given the election management committee convener post to placate him and interestingly, the announcement came alo-ng with that of the state party unit president post.  

As part of social justice and caste equations, generally, two key posts are not given to the same community. However, in this case, though the party president post was given to a Kapu, Mr Veerraju was given another key post though he belongs to the same caste, giving due importance for his services to the party since long.

“Somu Veerraju failed to garner consensus among all the leaders from various regions. He also carries this image of losing control at times that may sometimes land the party in trouble and face situations of embarrassment. At this juncture, we need a leader who  knows the balancing act and is also a seasoned politician knowing election management techniques ,” a BJP state leader said.