Anantapur: YSRC high command's decision of denying ticket to sitting MP Gorantla Madhav from Hindupur Lok Sabha and not even considering him for an assembly ticket has saved the ruling party the controversy it would have otherwise faced at the hustings.
Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has instead chosen to nominate former MP Joladarasi Santha from the HIndupur parliament seat. Santha is a native of Guntakal in Anantapur district, who has settled at nearby Bellary in Karnataka. She is the sister of former Karnataka minister Sreeramulu and belongs to justifying weaker sections in Rayalaseema region.
Gorantla Madhav, formerly a circle inspector, gained attention of YSRC leaders after launching a scathing attack on the then MP J.C. Diwakar Reddy as leader of the AP Police Officers’ Association leader from Anantapur.
Though a controversial cop, YSRC nominated him from Hindupur Lok Sabha constituency in the 2019 parliament elections. He emerged victorious against TD candidate Nimmala Kristappa.
Soon, Madhav started courting controversies, starting with adverse remarks against the top officials of KIA Motors India over observation of protocol.
His credibility took a nosedive after his alleged video chat with a naked woman that went viral on social media. The matter figured in the Lok Sabha, having an adverse impact on the YSRC party. Madhav defended himself saying the video had been morphed, but the damage had been done.
Then came the controversy of the MP not vacating his rental accommodation despite his house owner requesting him repeatedly. He subsequently faced criticism for not paying his electricity bill that had crossed Rs 2 lakh, while continuing to enjoy power supply by pressuring power officials.
Opposition parties, particularly opposition Telugu Desam, have been planning to corner YSRC in the forthcoming twin assembly and Lok Sabha elections, targeting Madhav. But the ruling party has stymied the opposition’s plan by fielding a woman candidate from the Hindupur Lok Sabha constituency and also denying him the MLA ticket.
Many sections have appreciated Jagan Mohan Reddy for dropping the sitting MP. An NGO leader from Satya Sai district fighting against atrocities on women has welcomed YSRC high command for denying ticket to controversial Madhav.
