ANANTAPUR: For the first time, MLC polls for the Graduates and Teachers constituencies have gathered political heat owing to the involvement of major political parties.
Earlier, political parties had not shown interest in the MLC polls for these constituencies and most of the contestants were without any party affiliation. But the upcoming polls for the Graduates and Teachers constituencies have taken on the proportion of general elections. These apart, the political parties are also gearing up to fight for the local body MLC seats as well.
Former minister and YSR Congress chief Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy’s uncle Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy who is contesting for the local body seat from Kadapa, is facing a tough time due to the ruling TD party.
The TD fielded Ravi, a B.Tech graduate, even though they had fewer votes than the YSRC in the local bodies. Sources said that the TD is putting in all efforts to attract the YSRC voters and the seat and that Mr Reddy is personally concentrating on his home turf to bag the seat.
On Monday, ministers and MLAs accompanied MLC candidate K.J. Reddy contesting for the Graduate Constituency.. IT minister Palle Raghunatha Reddy sought graduate voters in the constituency to vote for their party candidate and promised further development of the region.
A senior leader from the TD observed that the party high command was serious about the MLC polls and had issued instructions to all the MLAs to work hard to ensure the victory of their candidates.
“We are already facing dissidence due to our failure in achieving special category status for the state, and no special package has been given to the backward regions either”, he said.
The YSRC has fielded former NGO Association president V. Gopal Reddy from Anantapur for the local body seat and is depending on the party in-charge and MLAs from Kurnool, Kadapa and Anantapur to campaign for him.
Sitting MLC Dr Geyanand is contesting as an independent candidate and he has the support of the Left parties and a few pro-Rayalaseema organisations.
Anantapur’s S.K. University witnessed the political heat of campaigns by the students from different groups and organizations. About 14 candidates filed for nomination from the Graduate Constituency of Anantapur, and three from the Teacher Constituency.
