Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Hyderabad on Sunday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Telangana, which was expected to energize the BJP cadre, is said to have left a sour taste among top leaders as the prime minister was said to be upset over infighting when the party was in a position to challenge the Congress government.
Sources within the party claimed that the Prime Minister was completely unhappy due to the ongoing internal differences and factional politics. Staying away from them and spending an unusually long time with Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan also unnerved them.
Controversy surrounding Union Minister Bandi’s son Sanjay Kumar that surfaced ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit is also believed to have contributed to the unrest. Some BJP leaders alleged that certain internal groups were trying to politically harm Mr. Bandi Sanjay by intensifying the issue at a sensitive time despite knowing that it could harm the party.
“The Prime Minister is fully aware of the developments surrounding this episode as well as the political steps taken during his visit,” a senior leader said.
Some leaders feel the optics have sent an uncomfortable signal to the cadre at a time when the BJP is trying to project Telangana as its next major political destination in south India. “Prime Minister rarely visits the state. Leaders expected more engagement with the state party with 8 MPs and 8 MLAs,” said a senior leader with a note of disappointment.
Another executive also saw a positive side. Mr. Modi’s avoidance of lengthy meetings with top officials may have actually helped avoid an awkward situation. “If there was a long negotiation, the prime minister could take charge of it because of internal political rivalry damaging the party,” the leader claimed.
With Hyderabad’s tri-commissioner elections ahead, Mr Modi may have had more faith in Mr Naidu and Mr Pawan Kalyan, who can influence voters hailing from AP in Hyderabad, a senior functionary argued. Is this why they were favored with the Prime Minister’s precious time ahead of state BJP leaders?
Published – 11 May 2026 22:11 IST
