As the elections to the Andhra Pradesh state assembly are fast approaching, internal bickering is surfacing in the ruling YSR Congress party in several assembly constituencies, creating a headache for party president and chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.
While those who have been holding power in the constituencies are going all out to retain their dominance, they are facing stiff resistance from others who had earlier represented the constituencies and now want to stage a comeback.
The latest rumblings in Ramachandrapuram assembly constituency in Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district are a classic example of the ongoing bickering in the party.
The seat was represented in the past by former minister and present Rajya Sabha member Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose.
He is now strongly lobbying for the party ticket for his son Pilli Surya Prakash. But sitting MLA and present state information minister Chelluboyina Srinivasa Vengopala Krishna, who got elected from Ramahchandrapuram in 2019, is not ready to give up his seat and is firm on contesting the elections again.
On Sunday, Subhash Chandra Bose group held a meeting at Ramachandrapuram in support of Surya Prakash demanding that he be given the YSRC ticket in the coming elections.
They strongly opposed Venugopala Krishna’s candidature, saying they would not work for him if he is given the ticket again.
The MP’s followers alleged that the minister was forcing the police to foist false cases against them for opposing his candidature.
Venugopala Krishna, however, said there was no anti-incumbency against him and he had the support of the people of the constituency.
“The party president is closely observing everything. He will handle these dissident elements at an appropriate time,” he said.
He, however, said he had all the respect for Subhash Chandra Bose.
“Among the Setti Balija community leaders, he is a tall person and has grown to highest level. He is my guru and nobody will oppose it. I am only following his path and so, there is no question of giving up my seat in favour of anybody,” the minister said.
The followers of Bose, however, said if Suryaprakash was not given the party ticket, he would fight as an independent.
“All the followers of Bose would ensure that Surya Prakash would win,” they said.