Favorable winds are blowing for the Telugu Desam alliance in the eastern part of the district. In the previous election, the TDP secured victory in four assembly seats, despite Jagan’s dominance in the region. This time, Janasena and BJP have joined forces, setting the stage for a prestigious contest between TDP and YSRCP candidates in Ongole, Kondepi, and SN Paadu constituencies. The alliance appears promising in all three seats.
In Ongole, TDP candidate Damachrala Janardhan’s track record of developmental work as an MLA stands out as his greatest asset. Conversely, five years of perceived anarchy and land grabs have cast a shadow over YSRCP candidate Balineni’s prospects. Incidents of attacks and land grabs involving MLA Balineni’s son and his associates have plagued Ongole during this time.
The government had to intervene and establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to address rampant land grabs. Additionally, allegations surrounding Balineni’s son Praneet Reddy, including misconduct, land grabbing, and financial irregularities, have proven to be embarrassing for Balineni. The widely publicized torture of Subbarao Gupta, a member of the Arya Vaishya community, has stirred outrage across the state.
Furthermore, the absence of initiatives for a fresh water scheme and the completion of the poturaju canal project have added to Balineni’s challenges. While TDP’s lead is expanding in Ongole Rural Mandal, there are indications that YSRCP may lose its majority in Kottapatnam Mandal.
The defection of sitting MP Magunta Srinivasulareddy to the TDP has bolstered the alliance’s strength. The Magunta family enjoys significant influence in Ongole and Kondapi constituencies, with their past contributions, such as the construction of the bypass in Ongole, earning them favor among farmers.
In the previous assembly elections, Janasena, contesting independently, garnered up to 10,000 votes, despite the winning YSRCP candidate’s lead of 23,000 votes. Traditional supporters of YSRCP, such as employees and the Kapu community, have shown signs of shifting allegiance.
Growing dissatisfaction among business owners and the middle class has further boosted TDP’s prospects. Moreover, TDP enjoys the support of over 20,000 Arya Vaishyas and other traders. All these developments clearly reveal that Balineni might lost the election.
