Both are Dalit leaders… both represent the same assembly constituency – Ghanpur in Telangana legislative assembly. Both had served as deputy chief ministers in Telangana. Both are in the same party and wear the same pink stole. But, both these leaders are arch rivals who do not see eye to eye. The two leaders are – Tadikonda Rajaiah and Kadiyam Srihari.
Both have been traditional rivals and have fought each other. The fight is continuing even now. Recently, Kadiyam’s term as MLC was completed. Soon after this, Tadikonda Rajaiah had commented that since Kadiyam was no longer an MLC, he does not merit any protocol. When this fell into the ears of Kadiyam, he reacted strongly and said that one does not need a protocol to serve the people. Recently, during his visit to Warangal, KCR broke the norm of having dinner at Rajya Sabha MP Capt. Lakshmikantha Rao’s house and went to Kadiyam’s house for lunch. This gave rise to speculations that Kadiyam Srihari will be given a post of importance in the TRS government.
This once again has fueled the rivalry between the two leaders. As of now Rajaiah and his camp are watching Kadiyam’s moves with caution and alarm. Kadiyam these days is confident that either he or his daughter would be given some important post.