Veteran TDP leader Yanamala Ramakrishnudu faces crisis

Veteran Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader and former minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu is set to step down from his membership in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council on March 29, marking a significant turning point in his decades-long political journey.

A steadfast loyalist of TDP president and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Yanamala played a crucial role in Naidu’s rise to power, notably aiding him in dethroning his father-in-law, N. T. Rama Rao, during the infamous August coup of 1995. Since then, he has held several key positions both within the party and the state government whenever Naidu assumed the chief ministerial role. Currently, he serves as a member of the TDP politburo while completing his tenure as an MLC.

Unmet aspirations

Despite the prominence of his family within the TDP, Yanamala appears discontent with his current standing. His daughter, Yanamala Divya, represents Tuni as an MLA, his son-in-law Putta Mahesh Yadav is a Member of Parliament from Eluru, and his brother-in-law Putta Sudhakar Yadav serves as the MLA for Maidukuru.

However, Yanamala himself has not been granted a significant political position in recent times, leading to his disappointment.

With an eye on the future, he is actively lobbying for a Rajya Sabha nomination from the TDP in 2026. Speaking after the recent MLC election results, Yanamala expressed his willingness to consider a Rajya Sabha position if offered by the party.

“Otherwise, I will opt for a retired life. This has been my response to all my close associates and well-wishers who have inquired about my future plans as my MLC term comes to an end,” he stated.

Political realities

Yanamala recalled the moment when the TDP announced candidates for the MLC seats under the MLAs’ quota. He revealed that Naidu personally informed him of the decision over a phone call, to which he responded with gratitude, acknowledging the opportunities he had received as an MLC on two occasions.

Reflecting on his long-standing association with the TDP, he underscored his commitment to the party since its inception. However, he also lamented the increasing financial burden associated with contemporary politics, remarking that such trends do not bode well for the democratic process. As Yanamala stands at a crossroads, his next political move remains uncertain. Whether he secures a Rajya Sabha nomination or embraces retirement, his legacy within the TDP and Andhra Pradesh politics is undeniable.