Botsa to file MLC nomination, calls for YSRCP unity

YSRCP leader and former minister Botsa Satyanarayana has declared his plan to file his nomination papers on August 12 for the forthcoming MLC elections. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Botsa, accompanied by fellow party leader Kurasala Kannababu, made a strong appeal for unity among YSRCP leaders, corporators, and party members, stressing the need for collective effort to secure a decisive victory. “We are committed to ensuring the success of our candidate,” Satyanarayana declared, emphasising the importance of collective effort in the upcoming election. “I look forward to everyone’s cooperation as we move forward together.”
Kurasala Kannababu, reflecting the confidence of the YSRCP leadership, voiced strong optimism about the party’s chances. “The efforts of the alliance government will undoubtedly lead to YSRCP’s victory in the MLC election,” he stated. He also questioned the opposition’s decision to enter the fray despite YSRCP’s evident numerical strength. “Given our position, it’s puzzling why they would even contest. Despite any conspiracies, YSRCP’s victory is certain.” Kannababu also highlighted the issue of non-local candidates, taking a swipe at Botsa Satyanarayana’s challengers. “Where did CM Ramesh, who won here previously, even come from?” he asked, underlining the need for local representation.
Meanwhile, YSRCP president Jaganmohan Reddy acknowledged the challenges posed by the upcoming by-election for the joint Visakhapatnam district local body quota MLC. Despite YSRCP’s majority in the Greater Visakha Municipal Corporation Standing Committee elections, the TDP coalition managed to secure all ten seats. To mitigate potential risks, YSRCP has taken steps to protect its MPTCs, ZPTCs, corporators, and councillors by relocating them and their families to South India, away from the influence of the TDP alliance. According to YCP leaders, representatives from the Araku and Paderu constituencies have already been relocated to Bangalore. On Thursday, local representatives from Pendurthi, Payakaraopeta, and Narsipatnam constituencies, along with their families, were brought to the Tadepalli residence. Addressing them, Jagan cautioned, “The rival parties will attempt to sway you with large sums of money. Remember what happened in 2014 when 23 MLAs defected from YSRCP to TDP—they realized too late that they had been deceived.”
He continued with a warning to the current representatives from the Visakhapatnam district. “Do not fall for the same trap.