Seemandhra leaders set to dominate Andhra Pradesh now

Hyderabad: The importance of Rayalaseema region in spawning a host of political leaders will remain even after the bifurcation of the state.

The first Chief Minister of United AP state was Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, who was from Anantapur district in Rayalaseema region. He was sworn in as CM on November 1, 1956 and continued till January 11, 1960 (1,167 days). He was CM for a second time from March 12, 1962 to February 20, 1964 (719 days).

As it happens, the last CM of united state, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, is from Chittoor district, also in Rayalaseema region. He was CM from November 25, 2010 to February 19, 2014 (1,182 days).

After the state is bifurcated, the main contenders for the CM’s post in the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh are Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, who too are from Rayalaseema, Mr Jagan Mohan from Kadapa district and Mr Naidu from Chittoor district.

In AP, the main fight is between the YSRC and TD-BJP alliance. Both Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy and Mr Chandrababu Naidu are confident they will be voted to power. Mr Naidu was the Chief Minister for 3,378 days. If he is elected Chief Minister this time he will have created a record.

If Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy becomes Chief Minister, he will also become the first Chief Minister of the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh. APCC president Mr N. Raghuveera Reddy also belongs to Ananthapur district in Rayalaseema region. The three major parties in Andhra Pradesh, the YSR Congress, TD and Congress are all headed by leaders from Rayalaseema.