In a departure from the conventional choices leaving seasoned politicians puzzled, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is set to redefine political dynamics in the State by contemplating the selection of a Scheduled Caste (SC) candidate for the Vijayawada Lok Sabha seat in the upcoming 2024 elections. Approximately 80 in-charges are rumoured to be replaced by the party president.
The decision to field an SC candidate in Vijayawada, traditionally considered a stronghold of the OC social group, underscores Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s commitment to challenging established norms. The YSRCP president believes that breaking the longstanding trend of candidates from dominant castes, such as Kamma and Kapu, winning parliamentary seats is essential for fostering inclusive representation.
The YSRCP government, under Jagan Mohan Reddy’s leadership, has already initiated the construction of the largest statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, in the heart of Vijayawada. This move reflects the party’s dedication to recognising and prioritising the welfare of Scheduled Castes across the State and the nation.
Manditoka Arun Kumar, a Member of the Legislative Council residing in Nandigama of NTR district, emerges as a potential candidate for the Vijayawada Lok Sabha seat. Kumar, noted for his effective role as a pro-passer, stands out as a well-educated politician proficient in English, Telugu, and Hindi—a quality deemed valuable for parliamentary representation.
Political analysts suggest that Kumar’s nomination would signal a new era of political mobilisation.
If the YSRCP president chooses to allocate the Vijayawada Parliament seat to an SC candidate, Arun Kumar is speculated to be the frontrunner. The move aligns with the YSRCP’s commitment to providing opportunities to educated and capable leaders from marginalised communities.
Simultaneously, the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) faces internal challenges, with reports suggesting a potential change in the candidacy from Kesineni Nani to his brother Kesineni Chinni. Additionally, the alliance partner Jana Sena Party (JSP) is expected to field its candidate from Vijayawada, prompting possible changes in the TDP’s MLA candidate.
Amid these developments, YSRCP leadership, having vetted several SC leaders, sees Manditoka Arun Kumar as a strong contender for the Vijayawada parliamentary seat. The constituency, with over 33% Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Backward Class populations, is poised for a transformative change under Jagan Mohan Reddy’s strategic decisions.
It is noteworthy that the YSRCP holds an advantage in the seven constituencies within the Vijayawada Parliament constituency, with a favourable distribution of caste percentages. In the 2019 elections, the YSRCP narrowly lost to the TDP by less than 1% of the votes in two SC reserved constituencies, setting the stage for an intensely contested battle in the upcoming polls.
