Hyderabad: The Telugu Desam’s annual conclave, the Mahanadu, is expected to focus on denial of Special Category Status to AP and strengthening of the TD-BJP alliance in order to get more funds to the state. The three-day event will be held in Tirupati, the home district of TD chief and AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, from May 27 to May 29. Various current issues plaguing the state apart from the party affairs, are expected to top the agenda.
A top TD functionary said, “I don’t think there will be a resolution on ties with the BJP, but there will definitely be one on special status. Around 27 resolutions will be adopted. A decision on Cabinet expansion is likely after Mahanadu, besides the one on induction of Nara Lokesh into the AP Cabinet.” Before the Mahanadu, Mr Naidu will be chairing the collectors’ conference in Vijayawada on May 25 and 26. Double digit growth to address backwardness, administrative reforms like file clearance, pulse survey, district performance assessment, action plan on subsidy utilisation, credit coverage of beneficiaries are on the agenda for the collectors conference.
There will be an open session with collectors in which Mr Naidu will seek their opinions. On May 26, the second day of the conference, focus will be on infrastructure, rating of 110 municipalities, skill up-gradation, water issues and law and order. During the last Mahanadu, Mr Lokesh had played a key role and he is expected to be part of all major decisions this year too. Mr Naidu hasn’t revealed his plans on Cabinet expansion so far and there is a likelihood that clarity will emerge on the subject after the ruling party’s annual jamboree.
“Regarding Rajya Sabha seats, Sujana Chowdary is a cinch. The second seat will be given to a BC or SC candidate; in all probably a Dalit. The third seat will be set aside for Nirmala Sitaraman, if the BJP so requests,” said a party source.
