The political atmosphere in the Kakinada district is currently ablaze with anticipation as the Pithapuram constituency emerges as a focal point not only within Andhra Pradesh but across the nation. The spotlight shines brightly on this electoral arena as film-star-turned politician K Pawan Kalyan steps into the ring for a seat in the Assembly.
With the conclusion of the nomination filing process on Thursday, the electoral stage is set, revealing the contenders in this crucial battle.
The Pithapuram constituency now commands the attention of all, with Jana Sena chief K Pawan Kalyan entering the fray for the Assembly. Challenging him is the formidable Vanga Geetha, a seasoned politician representing the YSRCP, and the current MP for Kakinada.
Geetha’s political journey traces back to her student days, followed by a stint as a lawyer. Over the years, she has held various pivotal roles within the political spectrum, including serving as ZP chairman from 1995 to 2000 and as a Rajya Sabha member from 2000 to 2006. Her association with different political parties, notably the TDP and later the Praja Rajyam party, underscores her depth of experience.
In 2009, Geetha clinched victory in the Pithapuram constituency under the Praja Rajyam banner before eventually joining the YSRCP. Her nomination against Pawan Kalyan signifies the party’s strategic move to counter his influence in the region.
Meanwhile, Pawan Kalyan’s magnetic appeal, particularly among the youth and women voters, adds an intriguing dimension to the electoral dynamics. However, facing off against an adept political veteran like Geetha presents its challenges, given her extensive experience in legislative bodies at various levels.
The demographics of the Pithapuram Assembly constituency, nestled within the broader Kakinada Parliamentary constituency, reflect a diverse voter base. With approximately 2.30 lakh voters, including significant Kapu and BC communities, both candidates are vying to secure crucial support from these segments.
The spiritual heritage of Pithapuram adds a unique backdrop to the electoral discourse, with recent incidents of temple vandalism resonating in Pawan Kalyan’s campaign rhetoric.
In a strategic move, the YSRCP has replaced its sitting MLA with Geetha, demonstrating its commitment to thwarting Pawan Kalyan’s electoral ambitions. Notable leaders like Mudragada Padmanabham have also been mobilized to consolidate support against him.
Under the watchful eye of YSRCP MP PV Mithun Reddy, a comprehensive election strategy is being executed, with four MLAs deployed to Pithapuram to ensure victory for the party.
Amid this political theatre, the TDP’s disappointment over the allocation of Pithapuram to JSP has led to internal tensions, which were later quelled by Chandrababu Naidu.
As the stage is set for a fiercely contested election in Pithapuram, all eyes are on the outcome of this high-stakes battle.
