The Telugu Desam Party leadership is reportedly considering disciplinary action against Vijayawada Central MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao after he shared the stage with YSR Congress Party leaders and allegedly spoke against the TDP at a recent meeting held in Guntur to commemorate the late Mudragada Padmanabham.
Images and videos showing the TDP legislator sharing the dais with YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu went viral on social media, drawing criticism from sections of the party cadre and leadership.
According to party sources, TDP president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed displeasure over the incident and directed the state leadership to seek an explanation from the MLA.
On Monday evening, Naidu constituted a three-member committee comprising Palla Srinivasa Rao, Nimmala Rama Naidu and Kilaru Rajesh to examine the matter and issue a show-cause notice to Bonda Uma.
The TDP leadership directed the MLA to appear before the committee at the party’s state office on Tuesday evening and submit his explanation.
Defending his actions, Bonda Uma maintained that he had not violated party discipline. He clarified that he had not attended a YSRCP event, but had participated in a condolence meeting organised by former Jana Sena leader Dasari Ramu.
The MLA said he had merely exchanged greetings with Ambati Rambabu out of courtesy and questioned whether such a gesture amounted to misconduct.
He also pointed out that other leaders, including Jyothula Nehru and Vangaveeti Radha, had attended a separate condolence meeting for Mudragada Padmanabham organised by YSRCP leader Jakkampudi Raja. He asked whether the party intended to seek explanations from them as well.
His remarks further intensified the controversy, prompting the TDP leadership to reiterate that he must appear before the committee and explain his conduct.
