A war of words is going on between AP Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao and Anakapalli MP Avanthi Srinivas. Their bitter rivalry surfaced after Avanthi quit TDP and joined YCP to contest against Ganta in Bhimili assembly segment. Now both the leaders are making allegations and counter allegations against each other. Ganta said he had no reason to quit TDP now and that Chandrababu Naidu has been his political mentor from the beginning of his career.

Reacting sharply against rumours, Ganta said even when he was a minister in the Congress party in the past, he said in a media interview that Chandrababu was the leader who had given him a new life in politics. He accused his political opponents of unduly spreading false rumours that he was holding talks with YCP.

Countering the minister’s arguments, Avanthi Srinivas said Ganta has become very arrogant and he is not caring at all for the people of Bhimli segment. Yes, it is true that Chandrababu is the correct role model for Ganta that is in respect of betraying and backstabbing friends and colleagues, Anathi said. Avanthi also accused Ganta of using the influence and power of his close relatives in the ruling TDP to harass political opponents.