The political landscape in Nellore district is experiencing a significant shift following the 2024 elections. The YSRC party, which faced a substantial defeat in both the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls, is now dealing with a notable wave of defections among its prominent leaders and party members to the successful Telugu Desam party. This surge in high-profile defections has shaken the YSRC, with figures like Rajya Sabha member Beeda Masthan Rao and former MLC Balli Kalyan Chakravarthy among those leaving. Particularly in Nellore city, there has been a surge in defections, with many corporators looking to switch allegiance to the Telugu Desam party.
The focal point of this political realignment can be found in the Nellore Rural constituency, currently represented by three-time MLA Kotam Reddy Sridhar Reddy. The absence of YSRC leader Adala Prabhakar Reddy post-2024 elections has sparked criticism from within the party ranks. Those who previously criticized Kotam Reddy for defecting to the Telugu Desam party before the elections are now considering a similar move, especially after his recent electoral success. Kotamreddy Sridhar, now serving as the Telugu Desam MLA for Nellore Rural, has emerged as a central figure in this transition.
Reports suggest that approximately 11 corporators from the Nellore Municipal Corporation have reached out to him regarding switching parties. Among them, Peneti Sudhakar (17th Division), T. Ashok Kumar (18th Division), and Shaik Fahmida (34th Division) have received a favorable response, while decisions regarding the others are pending. In a recent event at Kotamreddy’s office, these three corporators, along with other YSRC leaders, officially joined the Telugu Desam party. MLA Sridhar Reddy assured those making the switch of his full support. He mentioned that several other YSRC corporators have shown interest in joining, with final decisions to be made in consultation with local Telugu Desam leaders.
Kotamreddy expressed confidence in replicating his past electoral victories in the upcoming local body elections, aiming to secure various positions within the Nellore Rural segment.
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