c pradeep kumar
In a calculated move aimed at fortifying its position in the 2024 elections, the ruling YSRCP, under the leadership of president and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, unveiled its candidate list well in advance. The recent announcement of candidates for the Anakapalli Lok Sabha constituency and the Madugula Assembly constituency signals a strategic manoeuvre by the party.
Deputy Chief Minister Budi Mutyala Naidu’s candidature for the Anakapalli parliamentary seat presents a face-off against alliance candidate, CM Ramesh, promising an engaging electoral battle.
Previously slated for the Madugula Assembly seat, Mutyala Naidu’s elevation to the Lok Sabha constituency underscores the party’s aggressive response to the evolving political landscape, with Eerla Anuradha now taking the reins in Madugula.
The YSRCP’s candidate selection process reflects its commitment to social justice and inclusivity. With 77 per cent of candidates boasting graduate or higher degrees, the party emphasises competence and expertise in its lineup. Moreover, over 50 per cent of tickets allocated to BC/SC/ST/minority communities underscore the party’s dedication to equitable representation.
Of the 175 Assembly seats, the YSRCP has allocated 29 to SC, seven to ST, 48 to BC, and 91 to OC candidates, including 19 women and seven from minority communities. Similarly, for the 25 Lok Sabha seats, the distribution includes four for SC, one for ST, 11 for BC, and nine for OC, with five women candidates. This strategic allocation aims to resonate with diverse segments of the electorate, fostering a sense of inclusivity and representation.
The YSRCP’s candidate pool comprises professionals from various fields, including 17 doctors, 15 lawyers, 34 engineers, five teachers, two retired civil servants, one retired defence personnel, and one journalist. This diverse array of expertise reflects the party’s commitment to governance grounded in competence and experience.
As the YSRCP solidifies its electoral strategy, the Opposition alliance faces internal discord and challenges in candidate selection. With dissent among aspirants from allied parties, the Opposition grapples with reconciling competing interests. Against this backdrop, the YSRCP’s proactive stance positions it as a formidable contender, poised to navigate the electoral terrain with strategic acumen and purposeful representation.
