Former MP Santha from Bellary Joins YSRC, Likely to be candidate in Hindupur

Anantapur: Former MP Santha from Bellary of Karnataka, who was native of Guntakal in Anantapur district, joined the YSRC in the presence of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday.

Santha is sister of former BJP minister Sreeramulu, a close associate of mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy. Speculations were rife over her candidature from Hindupur Lok Sabha constituency.

The former MP joined the YSRC in Vijayawada. Chief minister Jagan Reddy invited her to the YSRC and offered her the ‘kanduva’ at an event in Tadepalli. Rajampet MP Mithun Reddy, who has been dealing with the candidates for various segments from the Rayalaseema region, was also present.

Sources said Santha will be fielded as the YSRC candidate for the Hindupur Lok Sabha constituency. She hails from the Boya community that has a strong presence in the constituency and various parts of Rayalaseema region.

Several assembly segments under Hindupur LS constituency have been TD strongholds. The YSRC is keen on outwitting the TD. As part of its strategy for the coming polls, sitting MP Gorantla Madhav was reportedly denied ticket from Hindupur LS constituency and the ruling party prefers to field a woman candidate from the Boya community.

Santha was elected as BJP MP from Bellary in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections but faced defeat in the 2018 bypolls in Bellary when election was done following the resignation of sitting MP Sriramulu, after he contested as MLA.

Santha, a native of Guntakal area in Anantapur district, preferred to be fielded as a candidate from Hindupur.

After joining the YSRC in presence of chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Santha said she was attracted towards the efficient rule of  Jagan Reddy. “I will function as a party worker and obey the high command’s decision as regards the duties entrusted to me,” she said.

Political analyst K Ramana said the YSRC high command’s decision of inviting Santha from a neighbouring state is understandable as Ballary and nearby Karnataka areas have been connected with Rayalaseema politics for many decades.