The state president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Kinjarapu Achchennaidu, recently spoke about the party's relationship with Backward Classes (BCs) during his visit to Nellore. He acknowledged that BCs have moved away from the TDP and towards the YCP, but emphasized the need for all BC people to stand together and support the TDP without dwelling on past mistakes.
Achchennaidu noted that the majority of BC sections have stuck with the TDP since its inception, but there have been no new BCs who are close to the party since Chandrababu Naidu took over. This has created a rift within the BC community, which contributed to TDP's crushing defeat in the 2019 election.
Previously, Chandrababu Naidu had refused to accept this reality and claimed that all BCs were with TDP from the beginning and would remain so forever. However, Achchennaidu, who himself belongs to the BC community, understands that such words are useless. He believes that if the party can correct its mistakes and address the concerns of BCs, there is a chance for distant social groups to come closer. In short, Achchennaidu has acknowledged that TDP's distance from BCs was a major reason for its defeat and is working to bring BCs back into the party fold.
