TDP MLA Kolikapudi Srinivasa Rao looks towards YCP?

In a development that has stirred political circles in Andhra Pradesh, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA Kolikapudi Srinivasa Rao, representing the Tiruvuru Assembly constituency in NTR district, is reportedly expressing discontent with the party leadership and is speculated to be considering a switch to the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).

At center of controversies

While no official confirmation of his defection has been made, sources close to the MLA suggest that ongoing tensions with the TDP high command may push him toward the YSRCP. Kolikapudi, who won the Tiruvuru seat in the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections as a TDP candidate, has been at the center of multiple controversies since his election.

His dissatisfaction reportedly stems from repeated reprimands by TDP president and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu over his conduct. On January 20, 2025, Kolikapudi appeared before the TDP’s disciplinary committee to address allegations of misconduct, including an incident on January 11, 2025, where a woman, a YSRCP supporter, attempted suicide after an alleged altercation with the MLA. The committee, comprising senior leaders like M.A. Sharif and Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy, had warned him to mend his ways.

More recently, on July 19, 2025, Kolikapudi faced fresh accusations of harassing V. Kishore, an Assistant Executive Engineer from the Minor Irrigation Department, who went missing after leaving a suicide note blaming the MLA and senior officials for mental harassment. The note alleged that Kolikapudi used political pressure to block Kishore’s transfer, intensifying scrutiny on the MLA’s behavior.

Sources indicate that Kolikapudi’s repeated clashes with the TDP leadership, coupled with public protests against him have strained his relationship with the party.

YSRCP is cautious

Political analysts suggest that the MLA’s frustration may be driving him to explore options with the YSRCP, which has previously welcomed defectors from the TDP, including MLAs like Kodali Sri Venkateshwara Rao in 2012 and Kolusu Parthasarathi in 2024.

However, no official statement from Kolikapudi or the YSRCP has confirmed his potential move. The political landscape in Andhra Pradesh remains fluid, with defections not uncommon.