Tight contest on the cards in Srikalahasti

Constituency Assembly Constituency Assembly

Posted by AI on 2025-01-09 21:59:35 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-05-05 15:24:40

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The Srikalahasti Assembly constituency, a stronghold of the TDP, is set for a competitive contest with candidates from five major parties in the fray. The constituency, home to key institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), and the international airport, has seen significant development since 2014. Sitting MLA Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy, who has won five of the last six elections since 1989, played a key role in solidifying TDP's support base. However, due to his health issues, Gopalakrishna Reddy has stepped back from the race, paving the way for his son, Sudheer Reddy. Although Sudheer has built his own image, he faces criticism for his perceived disconnect with party seniors.

YSRCP's Biyyapu Madhusudhan Reddy, who unsuccessfully contested in 2014, is a strong contender. He has spent the last five years touring the constituency to gradually build his base. Kola Anand, the former Chairman of the Srikalahastheeswara temple trust board, is contesting as the BJP candidate, hoping to leverage his youth following and the party’s appeal to gain votes. The Congress has fielded veteran leader S. Batheiah Naidu, while Jana Sena has given the ticket to Vinutha Nagaram, a new face from Renigunta, who secured the nomination on merit, bypassing internal lobbyists.

Scheduled Castes and Vannekula Kshatriyas are the two key communities with over 40,000 and 33,000 votes respectively, which could sway the election results. The TDP government’s creation of the Vannekula Kshatriya Corporation and the appointment of renowned urologist Cipai Subramanyam as its Chairman is expected to benefit the party, although some in the community view it as a move to sideline the ticket aspirant. Additionally, the defection of key TDP leaders, including strategist K. Srirama Murthy, former MLA S.C.V. Naidu, and Prakash Yadav, who have influence among the Yadav community, has dealt a blow to the party. Despite these setbacks, TDP remains hopeful that the development achievements under its government will work in its favor.

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