Kalwakurthy: A toss-up between BRS schemes and sympathy for BJP nominee

Kalwakurthy: A slew of welfare schemes introduced by the BRS government vis-à-vis sympathy for the ‘luckless’ BJP candidate, who is giving yet another shot after five unsuccessful attempts, are the focal points of the election to the Kalwakurthy Assembly seat.

Although the welfare schemes could help the BRS candidate and MLA G. Jaipal Yadav, he is facing criticism because of his inaccessibility and the failure to focus on various issues, especially civic amenities, even after winning the seat in 1999, 2009, and 2018.

Many lament that Yadav has not even constructed any building for a government hospital, in the absence of which the locals have to rush to Hyderabad for treatment.

“It is rather arduous as we have to travel a minimum of 20 km to visit the government office while the revenue division office is in Kandukur, which is 50 km from Kalwakurthy. Yadav has completely ignored the development of the constituency in his three terms,” rued K. Hari Prasad, a resident of Kalwakurthy.

In stark contrast, his BJP opponent T. Achari is accessible and continues to serve them, notwithstanding the five electoral losses he suffered, Prasad said.

“Achari will respond immediately when there is a problem. You can ask anyone in the constituency, businessmen, vendors, villagers or youth, the answer will be the same – Achari is accessible,” said K. Krishnakanth, another resident.

An interesting triangular twist comes in the form of MLC Kasireddy Narayan Reddy, who quit the ruling party before the election schedule was announced and joined the Congress, which duly rewarded him with the ticket.

Incidentally, it was Narayan Reddy, who supported Yadav in the 2018 elections and played a key role in his campaign.

Quotes

The welfare schemes are good but the MLA is unreachable. Why should we support him again?

M. Madhusudhan Reddy, Kalwakurthy

We want a change this time for which we want to give a chance to someone who is approachable and resolves our problems.

M. Rama Swamy, Trader, Vidyanagar, Kalwakurthy.

The sympathy factor may work in favour of Achari this time. More importantly, he responds whenever anyone meets him

Manikanta, Fruit vendor, Kalwakurthy

Kalwakurthy profile:

Voters: 2,41,897

Male voters: 1,22,693

Female voters: 1,19,062

Transgender persons: 7

Service voters: 135