Party Discipline Supreme, Says TD; Leaders Warn Against Deviations

The Telugu Desam on Wednesday sent out a strong message that party discipline is not negotiable, with state TD president Palla Srinivasa Rao and water resources minister Nimmala Rama Naidu asserting that no individual is bigger than the party.

They warned that strict action would be taken against leaders violating organisational norms.

Addressing separate media conferences at the TD central office in Mangalagiri, the leaders said every party functionary must adhere to the party's ideology, discipline and official line to ensure that neither the party nor the alliance government suffered embarrassment.

Srinivasa Rao reiterated the recent directive of the party leadership barring TD leaders from sharing public platforms with YSRC leaders. While exceptional situations such as condolence meetings or unavoidable personal circumstances could arise, leaders must exercise restraint and ensure that their presence or remarks do not send confusing political signals, he stressed.

Referring to the recent controversy involving senior leader Bonda Umamaheswara Rao, Palla said the party had accepted Rao’s explanation after he reaffirmed his commitment to the party line. “The issue now stands closed.”

The state party chief cautioned leaders against making statements that could demoralise party workers or create confusion among the cadre. Stressing that the TD is a key constituent of the NDA alliance, he urged leaders to uphold coalition dharma and take the government's welfare and development initiatives to the people.

Water resources minister Rama Naidu said public representatives derived their identity from the party and must never place personal opinions above organisational interests. While leaders are free to express their views within the party, repeated violations of party directives or actions that damage the party's image or coalition unity would invite disciplinary action, he warned.

Calling upon the cadre to remain united, both leaders urged party workers to strengthen the organisation, take the government's achievements to every household and remain committed to the TD's ideology and discipline.