Lokesh to debut in Mangalagiri

Amaravati: In a surprise development, TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh is being considered for Mangalagiri Assembly constituency in the capital region, in his debut electoral fight.

For the last few days, the name of TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu's political heir is being heard for various seats like Tekkali, Bheemili, Nimmakur, Pedakurapadu, Hindupur, Chittoor and even Kuppam. Ending to all the speculation, party chief is said to have given clarity on the issue after interacting with the party strategists and top order leaders.

Both Lokesh and N Chandrababu Naidu have been residing for the last four years at Undavalli, which falls under Mangalagiri constituency.

In 2014 elections, YSRCP candidate Alla Ramakrishna Reddy won the seat with just 12 votes against the TDP leader Ganji Chiranjeevi. In fact, TDP won only two times, in 1983 and 1985, in this constituency from the formation of the party till date.

For a long time, the constituency was considered a bastion of Left parties and Congress. But in recent years, YSRCP and TDP have been giving tough fight to each other.

It is believed that the Chief Minister and his party is banking on the potential goodwill and support generated by establishment of capital in the region, to ensure Lokesh's victory.

Naidu and his son, who have been staying here, established a strong bondage with the local leaders and cadres in Mangalagiri. Apart from this, Lokesh has another advantage as the local people may feel happy to interact with such high profile leader.

The party has reportedly taken many equations into consideration while considering fielding of Lokesh from here. The victory of successor to Naidu will strengthen the party in both Guntur and Krishna districts as he is representing the capital city. Local leaders will work with more enthusiasm if they consider him their representative.

It will also make a good optic for the party vis a vis YSRCP, whose president YS Jaganmohan Reddy does not reside in Mangalagiri even after constructing an imposing house and performing housewarming ceremony. The party has already taking pot shots at Jagan for now even owning the state and living in Hyderabad, despite of passing of five years since state bifurcation.