YSRCP confident of tribal support in upcoming polls

As Andhra Pradesh braces itself for the impending elections next month, the ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) stands bolstered by a sense of assurance, particularly in securing the backing of the tribal population. Reflecting on the setbacks faced by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in tribal-dominated seats during the 2019 State polls, YSRCP leaders exude optimism regarding their electoral prospects.
A pivotal element contributing to the YSRC’s resonance among tribal communities is the establishment of new districts, notably Parvatipuram – Manyam and Alluri Sitaram Raju (ASR). These initiatives have streamlined access to governmental services for tribal populations, significantly ameliorating their living standards. Furthermore, the YSRC administration’s decision to annul GO Ms No 97, which greenlit bauxite mining in tribal regions of the ASR district, strikes a chord with tribal constituents. The contentious GO, sanctioned by the preceding TDP regime in 2015, had triggered vehement protests among tribal communities. Despite their opposition, the TDP government persisted, culminating in tragic incidents such as the targeted assassinations of two TDP leaders by Maoists in September 2018.
The Araku Lok Sabha constituency, reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST), stands as a bastion for the YSRCP. Encompassing the ASR and Manyam districts, Araku boasts a substantial electorate of over 14.5 lakh voters across seven Assembly segments. Chetti Thanuja Rani, the daughter-in-law of Araku Valley MLA Chetti Phalguna, is the YSRCP’s candidate for the MP seat.
Presenting a challenge to Thanuja Rani is Kothapalli Geetha, a former deputy collector, representing the TDP-BJP alliance. Nevertheless, historical trends and the palpable confidence of tribal communities in the YSRCP’s developmental initiatives augur well for the incumbent party in the forthcoming 2024 elections. Thanuja Rani reaffirms this sentiment, underscoring the overwhelming support garnered by the YSRCP in the 2019 elections across all seven assembly segments and the Araku Lok Sabha seat. As the electoral arena intensifies, the YSRC stands poised to fortify its support base among tribal populations through its developmental pursuits and welfare programmes.