In preparation for the forthcoming Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its list of candidates, marking a significant development in the state’s political landscape.
Among the notable candidates revealed by the BJP are former Minister of State (MoS) and ex-Rajya Sabha member YS Chowdary, popularly known as Sujana Chowdary, who will be contesting from the Vijayawada West constituency. Additionally, BJP national secretary Y Satya Kumar has been nominated to represent the party in Dharmavaram.
This announcement comes in the backdrop of the BJP’s alliance with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena for the upcoming elections. As part of this alliance, the BJP is set to contest in 10 Assembly and six parliamentary constituencies across the state.
Just a few days ago, the BJP leadership had unveiled six candidates for constituencies including Aaraku, Rajampet, Rajahamahendravaram, Ankapalle, Tirupati, and Narasapuram. Meanwhile, the TDP is slated to contest in 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha seats, with the Jana Sena fielding candidates for two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly seats.
Other significant candidates nominated by the BJP include Kamineni Srinivas Rao, former health minister under the TDP government, who will be contesting from the Kaikaluru segment. The list also includes N Eswara Rao (Etcherla), P Vishnu Kumar Raju (Visakhapatnam North), P Rajarao (Araku Valley, ST), and B Roshanna (Badvel, SC), among others.
However, the allocation of the Vijayawada West seat to the BJP has sparked controversy, with Jana Sena leader Pothina Venkata Mahesh expressing dissatisfaction over the decision. Despite seeking a ticket for the seat, Mahesh claims that the BJP’s selection could benefit the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) candidate Shaik Asif. Mahesh is reportedly considering contesting as an independent candidate in Vijayawada West.
In Dharmavaram, BJP national secretary Y Satya Kumar Yadav is set to face off against YSRCP candidate Kethireddy Venkatarami Reddy. This contest follows the TDP’s denial of a ticket to former MLA Gonuguntla Satyanarayana, with Kumar aiming to challenge Reddy’s previous electoral success.
The Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled to be held concurrently with the Lok Sabha elections on May 13, with results expected to be declared on June 4. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the BJP’s candidate selection signals a significant development in the state’s electoral dynamics.
