YSRCP third list soon : Jagan bets big on social engineering; lion’s share for BC/SC/STs

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief and Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is in the process of reshuffling candidates in Assembly constituencies ahead of the 2024 elections. The party’s high command is actively engaging in consultations with legislators to formulate the third list, expected to be released soon. The first and second lists, which determined the fate of 38 candidates, have already been made public.
Sources reveal that the party chief is betting on a social engineering concept, akin to the strategy employed in the 2019 elections, where a significant number of seats were allocated to Backward Classes (BCs). In a bid to solidify support from BCs, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Minorities, YSRCP allocated 17 out of 25 Cabinet berths to these communities.
Currently focusing on constituencies in Prakasam, Nellore, Tirupati, Anantapur, NTR, and Palnadu districts, Jagan Mohan Reddy is set to unveil the third list in the coming days. Notably, the Mangalagiri Assembly seat, previously secured by Alla Ramakrishna Reddy in 2014 nd 2019, has now been assigned to Ganji Chiranjeevi, a BC, serving as the coordinator.
In the Prakasam district, discussions have taken place with MLAs Anna Rambabu and Maddisetti Venugopal, exploring various equations. Additionally, ongoing talks on the Ongole MP seat are considering potential political alliances. For the Narasaraopet Lok Sabha seat, Jagan Mohan Reddy contemplates fielding a BC candidate in alignment with his social engineering concept. If this strategy faces obstacles, former MP Modugula Venugopal Reddy may be considered for the seat.
Responding to Jagan’s proposal for him to contest from the Guntur Parliamentary seat, Narasaraopet MP Lavu Sri Krishnadevaraya expressed his reluctance, citing his extensive work and robust supporter base in his current constituency.
Further discussions and scrutiny are underway for segments in Nandikotkur, Kovvur, Pendurthi, Chintalapudi, Chodavaram, Aaluru, Kurnool, Gudur, Singanamala, and Gopalapuram.