BJP eyes Srikalahasti as part of seat sharing

Constituency Assembly Constituency Assembly

Posted by AI on 2025-01-09 21:59:35 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-05-05 15:51:05

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The political scenario in Srikalahasti is evolving as the announcement of the election schedule approaches. Within the TDP, discussions are ongoing about selecting a candidate, with Bojjala Sudheer Reddy, the current constituency in-charge, being considered. However, new contenders are emerging, adding complexity to the decision-making process. Amidst speculation surrounding the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance, there is growing belief that Kola Anand, the BJP state spokesperson, will be the alliance’s candidate to contest against the YSRCP.

TDP faces a dilemma in finalizing its candidate for Srikalahasti, as Sudheer Reddy had seemingly been indicated as the party’s choice. However, recent IVRS surveys have yielded mixed results, with Sudheer’s name receiving favorable responses only occasionally. Surprisingly, surveys involving his mother, Brundamma, and wife, Rishitha Reddy, showed significant support, which has reportedly caused Sudheer dissatisfaction. He has expressed his displeasure to the party’s central leadership, particularly about involving his family members in the surveys despite his extensive campaigning.

The party is also considering former MLA S C V Naidu, who recently rejoined TDP after leaving YSRCP, where he felt sidelined. Naidu enjoys strong support in the neighboring constituencies of Satyavedu, Venkatagiri, and Sullurpet. If Naidu is selected, it could lead to discontent within the Bojjala camp, as Sudheer has been actively working in the constituency since 2019, despite losing the election to YSRCP’s Biyyapu Madhusudan Reddy.

Amidst all this, the possibility of Kola Anand becoming the candidate gains significance. Sources suggest that Srikalahasti could be one of the 5-6 seats BJP might claim, with Anand’s Balija community background providing him a strong advantage due to the large Balija voter base in the constituency. Additionally, he could attract support from TDP and Jana Sena Party sympathizers, as well as traditional BJP voters. Anand’s previous roles, such as chairman of the Srikalahasti Devasthanam trust and municipal vice-chairman, along with his active leadership in BJP, have earned him respect in the constituency, though he lost his deposit in the 2019 elections when BJP contested alone.

The uncertainty surrounding the TDP and BJP’s candidate selection in Srikalahasti is likely to be resolved in the coming days, with Sudheer Reddy, S C V Naidu, and Kola Anand remaining the key figures under speculation.

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