For the past few months, there has been an open war between controversial Telugu Desam Party MLA Kolikapudi Srinivasa Rao from the Tiruvuru constituency and Vijayawada TDP MP Kesineni Sivanath, popularly known as Chinni. The dispute had even prompted the party leadership to intervene and issue a stern warning to both groups.
Now, however, it appears that the two leaders may be trying to rebuild their relationship.
On Monday, Kolikapudi publicly wished Chinni on his birthday through his WhatsApp status.
While birthday greetings between political colleagues are common, the gesture assumes significance against the backdrop of the prolonged rivalry between the two leaders, which has continued for nearly a year.
The birthday message came just three days after another notable development. Kolikapudi had uploaded a photograph on his WhatsApp status showing himself, Kesineni Chinni and a party worker together.
The image had already sparked discussion in political circles about whether efforts were being made to resolve the differences between the two leaders.
The latest public greeting has further strengthened speculation that they may be trying to restore cordial relations.
The rivalry between the MP and the MLA has been viewed as an internal power struggle within the party in the Vijayawada parliamentary constituency.
Party workers and local leaders were reportedly caught between the two camps, leading to organisational difficulties and political uncertainty in the constituency.
Against this backdrop, the back-to-back public gestures have triggered discussion among TDP cadres that the party leadership may be working towards a reconciliation.
Political observers are now watching closely to see whether the two leaders will share the same stage again and jointly participate in party programmes, signalling an end to months of internal discord.
