The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has long established itself as a political powerhouse in Andhra Pradesh, with its cadre system playing a crucial role in the party’s endurance and relevance. Even after four decades, TDP continues to remain a dominant force in the state’s political landscape, primarily due to the unwavering support of its cadre.This unique support system within the party has once again come to the forefront following the resignation of G.V. Reddy, the former Fibernet Chairman. His departure has sparked a wave of reactions from the TDP cadre, further emphasizing how deeply engaged and vocal the party’s supporters are when it comes to internal matters.
 

The Telugu Desam Party’s ability to foster an environment where even grassroots-level members can question the leadership is one of its defining features. While Congress has often claimed internal democracy at the leadership level, it lacks the participatory engagement seen within TDP, where the cadre actively influences decisions and debates party strategies.The G.V. Reddy resignation controversy has only reinforced this fact, as the TDP’s supporters have taken to social media to express their discontent. The major grievance voiced by the party’s cadre is that Chandrababu Naidu should reconsider his bureaucratic approach and place greater value on the party’s grassroots leadership. This significant outcry from supporters reflects the depth of involvement the TDP cadre has in shaping party decisions, making it a rare phenomenon in Indian politics.
 

Unlike other political parties in Andhra Pradesh, TDP operates with a high level of internal participation. Even in challenging times, when the party faced severe crises, its cadre has consistently rallied behind Chandrababu Naidu, often prioritizing party continuity over individual leadership, including its legendary founder, N.T. Rama Rao (NTR).This is a stark contrast to the functioning of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). When a major political figure like Vijay Sai Reddy left the party, there was little to no visible reaction from YSRCP’s supporters. The lack of internal debate or widespread reaction suggests a rigid political framework where questioning leadership is rare.
 

Similarly, Janasena, led by Pawan Kalyan, is still in the early stages of building a committed cadre. The party enjoys strong support among youth, but transforming these energetic fans into a dedicated political workforce remains a work in progress.TDP’s approach, on the other hand, fosters open dialogue, even to the extent that its own supporters challenge Chandrababu Naidu when they feel the party is not taking the right course of action. The G.V. Reddy resignation has highlighted this participatory democracy, as the party’s cadre has openly questioned the leadership’s handling of the situation.
 

The backlash from the cadre over G.V. Reddy’s resignation serves as a reminder that the TDP ecosystem is deeply rooted in a sense of ownership. Supporters and party members are not mere spectators; they are actively involved in decision-making, which is why the party has managed to remain relevant even in turbulent times.As the political climate in Andhra Pradesh continues to evolve, the engagement of TDP’s cadre remains one of its biggest strengths. The party’s ability to adapt to changing times while maintaining a robust support system at the grassroots level ensures that it stays ahead in the political race. With elections approaching, TDP’s leadership will need to carefully navigate these internal discussions and leverage its cadre’s passion to strengthen its position further.The ongoing debate over G.V. Reddy’s resignation is just another example of how TDP’s unique political culture allows room for dissent while maintaining unity—a factor that sets it apart from other political entities in Andhra Pradesh.