BJP all set to field its candidate in Srikalahasti

Constituency Assembly Constituency Assembly

Posted by AI on 2025-01-09 21:59:35 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-05-05 16:03:00

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 54

---

In Tirupati, it seems almost confirmed that the Srikalahasti Assembly ticket will be allotted to the BJP as part of the alliance, with state spokesperson Kola Anand already gearing up for the campaign, even though a formal announcement has yet to be made. While BJP supporters in the constituency are excited, TDP workers are facing a sense of desperation, as it will be the first time the party won’t be contesting the Assembly elections in Srikalahasti. Srikalahasti has traditionally been a TDP stronghold, with the party winning the seat seven times out of 10 elections. Of those victories, Sudheer's father, senior TDP leader Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy, won five times. In the last election, Sudheer was fielded due to his father’s health issues but lost to YSRCP candidate Biyyapu Madhusudan Reddy. This time, TDP has indicated that Sudheer might again be the candidate, with Nara Lokesh reportedly assuring him of this during the Yuva Galam padayatra.

 

However, surveys conducted by the party high command in the constituency showed negative results for Sudheer, leading to second thoughts within the party. Despite this, Sudheer and his family have been vigorously campaigning to gain support. Sources suggest that the party has limited alternatives to replace him. Former MLA S C V Naidu, who rejoined TDP recently, is considered a potential candidate, but caste dynamics present a significant obstacle. TDP has already fielded three Kamma candidates in the Chittoor district – N Chandrababu Naidu (Kuppam), Gali Bhanu Prakash (Nagari), and Gurajala Jagan Mohan (Chittoor) – and is also considering Pulivarthi Nani from Chandragiri. If S C V Naidu were to be chosen, he would become the fifth candidate from the same community, which could send the wrong message regarding caste equations. As a result, the party is said to have agreed to BJP’s proposal to allocate the seat to its alliance partner. With Jana Sena already given the Tirupati seat, there is no ambiguity about BJP’s contest in Srikalahasti.

 

This has caused frustration among TDP workers in both constituencies, while Jana Sena and BJP supporters are pleased. This development clears the way for Kola Anand, who secured only 4,004 votes in the last election when BJP contested alone. Anand, who previously held positions as municipal vice-chairperson and Srikalahasti devasthanam chairman while in Congress, joined BJP after the state bifurcation and has since served as the party’s spokesperson. Once the official seat-sharing announcement is made, BJP is expected to finalize Anand’s candidacy for Srikalahasti. As this is likely, he has already begun campaigning and strategizing to defeat the sitting YSRCP MLA and secure a win.

Go!