Stage is said to be set for the entry of former minister and Kapu strongman Mudragada Padmanabham into the ruling YSR Congress party. In all probability, he will join in the first week of January, according to party sources.
However, Mudragada is not interested in contesting the elections this time – whether it is for the Lok Sabha or the state assembly.
He wants to play an advisory and strategic role in the party, rather than fighting the direct elections, as he expressed his inability to spend money to win the polls.
But Mudragada’s son Challa Rao is interested in electoral politics. The former minister reportedly recommended his son to contest the elections – either from Kakinada LS seat or Peddapuram assembly seat.
He reportedly held talks with YSRC in-charge of Godavari districts P Mithun Reddy to that effect.
Sources said YSRC president and chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is said to be apprehensive over the winning chances of Challa Rao, because the latter is not politically very active and is a relatively unknown face in the district.
“If at all Jagan wants to give him the party ticket, it will be purely depending on the personal image of Mudragada. But he is not sure whether Mudragada’s clout itself is enough to bring victory for his son,” sources said.
At present, Kakinada Lok Sabha seat is being represented by Vanga Geetha. She might be shifted to Pithapuram for the state assembly. Similarly, Peddapuram assembly seat has been promised to Thota Narasimham, husband of former contestant Thota Vani.
If Thota Narasimham is shifted to Jaggampet, then Jagan might accommodate Challa Rao in Peddapuram.
“Only after getting a firm assurance from Jagan for his son’s seat, Mudragada will announce his entry into the YSRC,” sources added.