Atchannaidu audio on feeble TD protests over Naidu's arrest leaked

VISAKHAPATNAM: In an embarrassment to Telugu Desam Party, the teleconference that TD state president Kinjarapu Atchannaidu organised with key party leaders on Sunday morning expressing disappointment over the scale of protests over the arrest of party’s national president Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday has got leaked.

In the audio, Atchannaidu is heard saying: "TD is not taking up large-scale protest programs in the wake of Chandrababu Naidu's arrest. Party chief has ordered us to protest on a large scale, particularly in Vijayawada region. Women must especially come forward. Conveying the same to you all. I hope you will also follow his word."

In the teleconference, the TD state president said all the key leaders of Krishna district, in-charges, ex-ministers and everyone must understand that because of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Babu has been suffering for the past 24 hours.

Atchannaidu pointed out that Chandrababu Naidu had been produced in the ACB court at 6 am. But protests were very low in the surrounding region.

"There is nothing more important for us than Chandrababu Naidu. You may say mobilisation is not possible because of police. Police have arrested only top leaders. Second and third-level leaders must come forward in a huge way. Start protesting with TD women cadre, and do it on a large-scale," the TD state president ordered.

He maintained that when women protesters are there, police hesitate to take action against them.

Atchannaidu went on to say, "Many people have called me. They said there is no bigger issue for Telugu Desam than this. Yet you people are not on roads. If outsiders are calling me and saying our party mobilisation is very low, I feel sad. Please start large-scale movements."

In the teleconference, former Banaganapalle MLA B.C. Janardhan said that when they organise party meetings, only 400–500 people participate in them. "Top party leaders have been put under house arrest. They should forcibly come out, fight with police and make those videos viral," Janardhan underlined.

On this, Atchannaidu said, "Please stop talking like this. If someone records our conversation, we will face new problems."