Within days of firming up the contract with the Telugu Desam Party for the upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh, popular political strategist Prashant Kishor quickly began his task, assessing the party’s prospects in the elections in various constituencies.
According to speculations doing rounds in a section of media, Prashant Kishor has suggested TDP president and former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu to contest the assembly elections from a second constituency as well, mostly in north-coastal Andhra Pradesh.
There are two reasons being cited for this suggestion.
One, if Naidu contests from north-coastal Andhra, it would bring a new vigour and enthusiasm to the party cadre, apart from a confidence of sorts to the people in the region. This would help the TDP win maximum number of seats in the region.
“If Naidu follows Kishor advice, he might choose Bheemili or a safer constituency in Srikakulam district,” sources said.
Another reason that is being talked about is that Naidu is facing the threat of losing in Kuppam assembly constituency, as Jagan has moved all his resources there and is going all out to defeat the TDP chief there.
“So, to be on the safe side, Naidu has to choose a second constituency in north Andhra where he has bright chances of winning. If he wins Kuppam seat, it will be a bonus, but it is a risky proposition,” Kishor is learnt to have told him.
Apparently, Kishor has given a similar advice to Jana Sena Party chief and actor Pawan Kalyan. Apart from Bhimavaram, the power star has to choose another constituency, where he has fair chances of winning. Already there are reports that Pawan might choose Tirupati as his second seat.
Another interesting talk that is doing rounds in the political circles is that Prashant Kishor suggested that Lokesh should also give up his Mangalagiri seat and move to another safer seat – maybe Hindupur, which is represented by his father-in-law Nandamuri Balakrishna.
Apparently, Prashant Kishor told the TDP leadership that since YSRCP has announced a local BC candidate Ganji Chiranjeevi representing weavers’ community, it might affect the prospects of Lokesh. So, the TDP, too, should field a BC candidate in Mangalagiri, if it wants to win the seat.
Similarly, Balakrishna, should also move from Hindupur, where Jagan has prepared a plan to defeat him at any cost. The strategist has reportedly suggested that Balakrishna should move to either Gudivada or Undi.
There will be clarity on the party stand on Prashant Kishor suggestions within a week, party sources said.