YSR Congress party president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy has learnt tricks of the political trade over the years.
He has realized that he needs to be more practical in his approach towards politics, rather than going by mere emotions.
It is an open secret that the coming elections are going to be the costliest, as the ruling Telugu Desam Party headed by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu is going all out to retain power by pumping in big money.
Jagan has already seen the impact of money power of Naidu in the by-elections to Nandyal assembly seat.
He also witnessed how the Telangana Rashtra Samithi won the recent assembly elections in Telangana by pumping in huge money.
Naturally, the ruling parties are in an advantageous position in terms of spending money, as they amass huge wealth during their tenure.
Jagan has also realized that his party has to spend huge money in the elections, instead of believing that he would get benefitted only from anti-incumbency factor and the promises he is making in the name of Navaratnas.
So, the YSRC president is also taking into consideration the financial strength of the candidates,
Though popularity of the candidates and their loyalty to the party are also very important, there is no point in giving them tickets if they cannot match the financial power of the rival candidates.
“Strong financial position of the candidates, coupled with anger in the people towards the TDP government, will help the YSRC achieve victory. Jagan is looking at both these factors,” a party leader said.
That is precisely why Jagan is denying tickets to many leaders like Gouru Charitha Reddy and Alla Ramakrishna Reddy.
Though their long association with the party cannot be ignored, Jagan has realized that they are financial weak to take on the TDP in their constituencies.
And those who are capable of spending big money, not only for themselves but also for other candidates are getting preference.
Former MP and present TDP MLC Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy falls into this category. It is learnt Magunta is prepared to spend Rs 100 crore in the elections not only for himself, but also for other YSRC candidates.
In any case, Jagan will not forget the loyalty factor. He has been assuring the loyalists that he would reward them with other positions like MLCs and corporation chairpersons and even Rajya Sabha tickets, if they continue to sail with the party.