Tirupati: YSRC president and Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, getting set for the 2024 electoral battle, has begun placing his trust in the next generation of party loyalists.
The party would field the sons of two of its most trusted and senior legislators Bhumana Karunakar Reddy and Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy in key constituencies.
Bhumana Abhinay Reddy, son of sitting Tirupati MLA Karunakar Reddy, would be the YSRC candidate for the temple town constituency. Abhinay is currently serving as deputy mayor of Tirupati.
Chevireddy Mohith Reddy, the elder son of Bhaskar representing Chandragiri constituency, will be the party nominee there. Mohith Reddy is chairman of Tirupati Urban Development Authority.
The decision to promote the second generation of loyalists reflects Jagan's confidence in their ability to win the seats. Also, the father-son swap is strategically aimed to counter any potential anti-incumbency sentiments in the region.
The ruling party also aims to leverage its track record of infrastructure growth, successful public welfare schemes, and strong grassroots connections to retain these seats.
The YSRC has taken a substantial lead in Tirupati assembly constituency, as the father-son duo has worked hand-in-hand to fulfill the aspirations of various sections of the society and contributed to the overall development of temple city, claims party sources.
Notable achievements of the duo include the allocation of house sites for TTD employees, recognition of skilled workforce within TTD, and enhancements in salaries and wages for various categories of workers, the sources said.
“In the last five years, Tirupati has witnessed unprecedented development, including the resolution of long-pending land issues, establishment of master plan roads, beautification of the Vinayaka Sagar tank, rejuvenation of tanks and water bodies, and notably the timely completion of the Srinivasa Sethu elevated expressway,” the sources claimed.
The renovation of the ancient Thataiahagunta Gangamma temple and the declaration of the Tirupati Ganga Jatara as a state festival have been cited as Bhumana’s achievements.
In Chandragiri, the Telugu Desam seldom tasted electoral success, despite it being the home constituency of Chandrababu Naidu. TD has declared Pulivarthi Nani as its candidate while the YSRC is fielding Chevireddy Mohith Reddy, son of two-time MLA Bhaskar Reddy.
The ruling party is confident of securing a third consecutive victory in Chandragiri. Bhaskar Reddy's decision to opt out of the 2024 elections and endorse the candidature of his elder son Mohith Reddy surprised some. The YSRC says it is banking on the “trust deficit” faced by Pulivarthi Nani, the TD nominee.
The lack of support for Nani among the followers of former minister Galla Aruna Kumari, defeated by Bhaskar Reddy in the 2014 polls, might strengthen the YSRC's prospects in the constituency.
