Candidate Changes Spark Internal Dissidence in Kurnool

 Kurnool: The reshuffling of candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections by the ruling YSRC has led to unrest and dissidence in several constituencies within the district. This exercise, intended as a strategic move for the elections, has resulted in mixed reactions among party members, disrupting the internal dynamics. The seniors are fearing a potential impact on the party's unity in the forthcoming elections.

The Chief Minister initially invited Aluru legislator and minister Gummanur Jayaram, proposing his candidature as a member of Parliament from Kurnool. Despite his reluctance to run for MP, Jayaram complied with the party’s direction. This move has led to speculation that the Aluru Assembly seat will be allocated to someone else, triggering dissidence among some of Jayaram’s followers who demand his nomination from the constituency.

In Yemmiganur, MLA K. Chennakesava Reddy, who won the 2019 polls, allegedly proposed his son as a candidate for the upcoming elections. However, the Chief Minister reportedly rejected this proposal. Defying this,the CM planned his own candidature, leading to the followers of the legislator expressing anger and threatening non-cooperation with the party. They have even prepared to resign en masse if Chennakesava Reddy is not allotted a seat, arguing that the YSRC cannot win the constituency without him.

In Kurnool city, the sitting legislator, M.A. Hafeez Khan, faced opposition within his party, with S.V. Mohan Reddy reportedly preparing to contest or field his wife from the constituency. During a recent party programme, demands by some party workers to continue Hafeez's candidature led to friction within the party. There are indications of potential dissent among party cadres if the high command’s candidate list does not align with their preferences.

A party leader, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed concerns about the growing dissidence within the party, especially evident after the announcement of candidates for all constituencies. The leader explained that party cadres are showing reluctance to support alternative candidates if the party decides to make changes.