As political heat intensifies in Andhra Pradesh ahead of the general elections, both the ruling YSRCP and the opposition TDP-JSP alliance are diligently scouting potential candidates for various constituencies in the State.
In a recent announcement by the Chief Minister, it was revealed that elections would be advanced by at least three weeks for the Andhra Pradesh Assembly and the general Lok Sabha polls, prompting political parties to expedite their candidate selection processes.
The spotlight is firmly on the Guntur parliamentary constituency, where reports suggest that the TDP’s candidate, Galla Jayadev, is contemplating abstaining from the electoral race this time to concentrate fully on his business pursuits. Should the TDP still deem his services indispensable, Jayadev may explore the possibility of securing a Rajya Sabha seat at a later juncture.
In preparation for the impending elections, the TDP is in search of a financially robust candidate with a favourable caste background to contest the Guntur Lok Sabha seat.
Inside sources reveal that Lagadapati Rajagopal, a former Congress MP from Vijayawada who has been dormant in politics for a decade, is eager to make a return to active politics. Allegedly, he is actively lobbying within the TDP circles to secure a nomination for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Close associates of Lagadapati recently met in Vijayawada, deciding unanimously that he should contest on the TDP ticket with their support. Although Lagadapati initially expressed a desire to contest from Vijayawada, the TDP is confronted with a formidable contest for the seat between the incumbent MP Kesineni Nani and his brother Kesineni Chinni.
Given this challenging scenario, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu might propose that Lagadapati consider contesting from Guntur, where the party is actively seeking a formidable candidate. Alternatively, Naidu may extend an offer for the Eluru Lok Sabha seat. However, Lagadapati could opt for the Guntur seat if the Vijayawada option becomes unattainable.
On the flip side, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), under the leadership of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, is said to have finalised the candidacy of the popular cricketer Ambati Tirupati Rayudu for the Guntur parliamentary constituency.
Rayudu, a member of the Kapu community, enjoys substantial financial backing from the India Cements group, helmed by N Srinivasan. Rayudu’s association with the Chennai Super Kings team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is perceived as a strategic advantage in the elections, given that the team is owned by Srinivasan.
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Govt’s move to take over 100-year-old Cong office resisted
PNS n Vijayawada
Tension prevailed at the Marupilla Chitti Congress Party Office in the One Town area of the city on Friday night when officials from the Endowments department attempted to take control of the property. In response to this development, Congress party leaders and members quickly gathered at the office, staging a protest against the actions of the Endowment Department officers.
Sources within the party revealed that the Marupilla Chitti Congress Party office has a rich history spanning a hundred years, serving as a central hub during the freedom struggle. Numerous Congress party leaders engaged in discussions pertinent to the freedom movement from this office.
The sources also noted that Marupilla Chitti, a former MLA and freedom fighter, had dedicated the entire property to benefit the underprivileged and society.
Contrary to this historical significance, the State government is currently making efforts to gain control of the Chitti Congress Party office under the pretext of leases, as alleged by Congress leaders. Despite consistently paying electricity bills since 1900, the ruling YSRCP government is accused of attempting to take possession of the party office, asserted N Narasimha Rao, the Congress party Vijayawada City president, emphasising the need to safeguard the One Town party office.
AICC member Konalukonda Sivaji warned the YSRCP, stating that if the government persists in trying to take over the party office, the people will express their discontent in the upcoming 2024 elections. He added that the Congress party is committed to ensuring the protection of the Chitti Office.
Meanwhile, APCC president Gidugu Rudra Raju and other opposition leaders gathered at the Chitti office to discuss strategies for safeguarding it from government interference.
