YSRC intensifies efforts to challenge Naidu's dominance in Kuppam assembly seat

Tirupati: In a high-stakes political slugfest, ruling YSR Congress is leaving no stone unturned to wrest control of Kuppam assembly seat, which has been a stronghold of former chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu for decades.

One of the latest strategic moves of YSRC in this regard is MP P.V. Mithun Reddy personally paying the gate fee to Kuppam municipality on behalf of roadside vendors, a substantial voter base in the constituency. Vendors pay this fee to the municipality for running their businesses in the town. Incidentally, the payment has been made at a time when Chandrababu is in judicial custody in connection with the Skill Development Corporation scandal.

Kuppam has long been the political bastion of the TDP chief, with the constituency returning him to the assembly with resounding victories. 2019 elections gave Chandrababu a dent, when his victory margin considerably reduced. He even trailed in vote counting, before eventually securing the seat.

Encouraged by this, YSRC, led by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, is making a concerted effort to unseat Naidu from the constituency this time around. The recent payment made by YSRC MP for street vendors is just one of many strategic manoeuvers the ruling party is making to win the hearts and votes in Kuppam.

Reports indicate that YSRC has issued land pattas to around 14,000 people as part of the Housing for All scheme. Additionally, over 35,000 welfare pensions are currently being distributed, with nearly 31,000 of them initiated during the TD regime. YSRC has expanded pensions to include 4,000 more beneficiaries.

Aarogyasri scheme has benefited thousands, while Amma Vodi, a component of the Navaratnalu welfare programme, is benefitting over 53,000 beneficiaries. Further, Jagananna Vidya Deevena and Jagananna Vasati Deevena are running actively. Recently, MP N. Reddeppa sanctioned ₹50 lakh for construction of a municipal complex, ₹25 lakh for a ward secretariat building, and ₹15 lakh for a compound wall around the market yard.

Importantly, YSRC is focussing its campaigning in Kuppam at the grassroots level, reaching out to all sections of the electorate.

While YSRC is upbeat, Telugu Desam is grappling with demoralisation within its workers after local TD leaders have joined the YSRC. There are no top leaders in the constituency, except Naidu himself.

However, Chandrababu Naidu is not taking the challenge lightly. He recently campaigned vigorously in Kuppam, emphasising his long-standing commitment to development of the constituency and the region in an effort to retain his strong voter base.