Chittoor district is the native region of Chandrababu Naidu, yet the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has consistently faced setbacks here.
In 2019, YSR Congress swept the region, winning 13 out of 14 Assembly seats and both the Tirupati and Chittoor Parliament segments. Chandrababu Naidu was the only TDP candidate to win in the district.
Even in 2014, when TDP formed the government, the party managed to win only six seats in Chittoor. But in 2024, the trend reversed once again—TDP won just two seats.
The district is home to several senior leaders like Peddireddy Rama Chandra Reddy, Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, Bhumana Karunakara Reddy, Mithun Reddy, Roja, and Narayana Swamy. Yet, their internal conflicts have weakened the party.
Between 2019 and 2024, all these leaders were locked in disputes, primarily against Peddireddy Rama Chandra Reddy, who controlled major decisions, including ticket distribution.
Currently, Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy and Mithun Reddy are in jail for their alleged roles in the Liquor Scam. Meanwhile, Peddireddy frequently travels between Chittoor and Rajahmundry to visit his jailed son.
Other leaders in the district appear to be more pleased about their rivals’ troubles than working for party unity. No senior YSRCP leader has even visited Mithun Reddy in jail so far.
Roja, who once tied Rakhi to Mithun Reddy, distanced herself after disagreements with Rama Chandra Reddy. Former Excise Minister Narayana Swamy is also under scrutiny, and there are rumours that he may turn approver.
Bhumana Karunakara Reddy remains focused on Tirupati and TTD matters alone. Following Mithun Reddy’s arrest, only a few symbolic protests were held in the district.
Sources say Peddireddy’s camp is now waiting for Roja’s arrest in the Aadudham Andhra Scam and Bhumana’s in the TDR Scam in Tirupati.
All of this signals a leadership crisis within YSR Congress in the erstwhile Chittoor district. It’s a clear call for Jagan Mohan Reddy to intervene and repair the party’s structure in the region.
