Vijayawada: Tension is brewing within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Andhra Pradesh over the party's candidate selection process for the upcoming elections. Senior leaders have expressed displeasure over the perceived preference given to those who have recently joined the party from other outfits, such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), over the core party workers.

The potential candidacies of CM Ramesh and Sujana Chowdary, former TDP members, for the Anakapalli and Eluru parliamentary constituencies, respectively, have drawn ire from the BJP's old guard. Adding fuel to the fire is the party's reported consideration of Raghurama Krishnam Raju as the candidate for the Narasapuram constituency.

Rumors have also surfaced about the possible nomination of Kothapalli Geetha for the Araku seat and Purandeswari for the Rajahmundry constituency, further ruffling feathers within the party's rank and file.

In a 'secret' party meeting held at the state office in Vijayawada, senior leaders voiced their frustrations over the recent developments and the alleged sidelining of dedicated party workers in favor of newcomers. They expressed dismay at the party's reluctance to seek more tickets for the aspirants despite being in power at the Centre.

The BJP leaders did not name any specific individual, however, questioned the party for picking up leaders with ties to former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam party. They emphasized the importance of recognizing and rewarding those who have worked tirelessly for the BJP from its inception in the state.

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