Ongole Parliament has long been a Reddy stronghold. Since the founding of the TDP, the constituency has seen eleven elections. Yet, TDP has managed to win only three times in 1984, 1999, and again in 2014.
Back in 1967, popular film star Kongara Jaggayya won on a Congress ticket, despite lacking local connections. This highlighted the Congress party’s deep-rooted control at the time. After the state’s bifurcation, YSR Congress gained ground in the region.
Since its formation, YSR Congress has won two of the three general elections. However, in the 2024 election, the party stumbled due to Jagan Mohan Reddy’s candidate selection.
He denied a ticket to Magunta Sreenivasula Reddy and instead fielded Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy from Chittoor. The TDP, along with Magunta, played the ‘non-local’ angle against Chevireddy and secured victory in Ongole.
Post-election, Balineni Srinivasa Reddy also exited YSR Congress and joined Janasena. As TDP claimed, Chevireddy shifted focus back to Chittoor politics. He is currently in jail, facing charges in the Liquor Scam.
Due to this, YSR Congress cadres in Ongole are struggling with a lack of clear leadership. YV Subba Reddy is seen as a potential option but is unwilling to step in at this time.
His reluctance comes amid legal troubles. His son, Vikranth Reddy, is an accused in the illegal Kakinada Port share transfer case. Subba Reddy himself may face arrest in the Tirumala Laddu adulteration case.
Sources say Subba Reddy has chosen to stay low for at least two years. Taking charge in Ongole now could bring him under the Government’s direct radar.
He has reportedly declined Jagan’s request, leaving YSR Congress without strong leadership in Ongole for the foreseeable future.
