Jagan to intensify poll campaign from Feb 16

As the 2024 election season looms, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of the ruling YSRCP has positioned himself as a frontrunner in candidate selection, aiming to secure victory under any circumstances. Amidst reports of some sitting MLAs and MPs being sidelined, causing internal strife within the party, CM Jagan has initiated the ‘Siddham’ programme to address concerns among party leaders and activists statewide.
The electoral campaign is set to kick off on February 16 with the YSR ‘Cheyutha’ programme, followed by the ‘Siddham’ final meeting in Anantapur on February 18, where the manifesto will be unveiled. Subsequent events include the release of input subsidies to farmers in Annamayya district on February 21, the launch of YSR e-BC Nestam third phase in Kurnool on February 24, and the release of Vidya Deevena fourth quarter in Guntur on February 27. The second phase of Vasithi Deevana is scheduled for release in Sathya Sai district on March 5, with the final Cabinet meeting slated for March 6.
Expected to be released in the third week of February, the election notification signals CM Jagan’s readiness for an intense campaign, scheduled from March 7 to April 14, spanning 120 constituencies and 21 parliamentary segments with three meetings per day for 40 days.
In preparation for the polls, CM Jagan has reportedly devised a comprehensive action plan, intending to immerse himself in public engagements from February 16 to April 14. Despite discontent among some sitting MLAs, MPs, and aspirants over ticket distribution, CM Jagan has been personally engaging with each aspirant to mitigate tensions and ensure party cohesion.
Confident of a prolonged tenure for the YSRCP, CM Jagan is strategically selecting candidates, aiming to secure a continued grip on power. Analysts suggest that the continuation of existing welfare schemes in the party’s manifesto could bolster its electoral prospects, though proposed additions such as free bus travel for women may pose fiscal challenges.
Reflecting on past electoral strategies, political analyst Kommineni Srinivas noted similarities to previous elections, emphasising the importance of sustaining and adopting successful welfare schemes to maintain public support.
As the electoral landscape takes shape, CM Jagan’s meticulous planning and outreach efforts indicate a calculated approach to both governance and electioneering, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between the government’s achievements and the party’s electoral prospects.