YSRC Set To Drop ASR District, Pendurthi Sitting MLAs

Visakhapatnam: The YSRC high command is very unlikely to renominate two MLAs from ASR district — Chetti Palguna and K. Bhagyalakshmi — and Pendurthi MLA A. Adeep Raj.

Payakaraopeta MLA Golla Babu Rao in a way got a breather by getting of an alternative post. The ruling party has started searching for new candidates from these seats.

Sources say there have been complaints about Palguna and Bhagyalakshmi about being involved in land dealings. They supported non-tribals in acquiring lands, which has angered the local Adivasis. Tribals are also upset with these two MLAs for not opposing merger of Koya and Valmiki communities in
the ST list.

A senior party leader said ST commission chairman Kumba Ravibabu might replace Palguna from Araku. Araku MP Gotteti Madhavi will replace Bhagyalakshmi.

In Payakaraopeta (SC) seat, adverse reports have come against Golla Babu Rao. YSRC high command has thus decided to replace him. Babu Rao had started staying away from the party activities when the former minister had not been included in Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s second cabinet.

Now the party is planning to field Dr. Bangarayya, who lost to Babu Rao in 2019 elections and subsequently quit TD. He joined YSRC recently. Sources said Babu Rao may be sent to the Rajya Sabha.

Pendurthi constituency is also witnessing a change. Adeep Raju had
discussions with the Chief Minister on Wednesday. Sources close to the MLA said Adeep Raju is being dropped without being offered any alternative role.

Senior leaders — minister Gudivada Amarnath, Deputy Chief Minister Budi Mutyala Naidu and Chodavaram MLA and whip Karanam Dharmasri — will have a change in their constituencies. Grapevine says Dharmasri will contest from Anakapalli Lok Sabha constituency, while Amarnath might contest from Chodavaram. Mutyala Naidu may retain his constituency G. Madugula.

Sources said Anakapalli MP Dr. K. Satyavathi will not contest but would be given a nominated post after the elections.

It is said Visakhapatnam district YSRC president Kola Guruvulu has dropped the idea of joining Jana Sena after assurance that he will be made an MLC.