In a move that has surprised many, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has launched automated IVR (Interactive Voice Response) calls in the Kuppam Assembly constituency of Chittoor district to gauge public opinion on potential candidates for mandal-level leadership posts in Kuppam, Ramakuppam, Gudupalle and Shantipuram.
The unusual step of seeking grassroots feedback for organisational appointments has triggered speculation about a major reshuffle in Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s home constituency. In the Kuppam urban panel, senior party cadres Kanipakam Venkatesh, Satendra Shekhar, and Kothapeta Munneppa figured among the choices, while the rural panel saw names such as Dhana Shekhar, J.K. Santhosh and State Kuruba Corporation Director Rajagopal. In Ramakuppam, the contenders included Rammurthy and Venkataramana. Interestingly, several aspirants come from families that already hold positions as sarpanches or in nominated mandal-level posts.
