The upcoming municipal elections in Aswaraopet, Sattupalli, and Kallur have emerged as a high-stakes battleground, leaving both the ruling Congress and the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) balancing cautious optimism with strategic anxiety.
Sattupalli: A Battle of Strategy vs. Stature
In Sattupalli, the Congress party holds a distinct “ruling party” advantage. This is bolstered by the strategic coordination between MLA M. Ragamayi and TSIDC Chairman Muvva Vijay Babu. Working under the direction of Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, Vijay Babu’s deep local roots and reputation for tactical electioneering are seen as significant assets for the Congress.
Conversely, the BRS is banking on the personal stature of former MLA Sandra Venkata Veeraiah. While Veeraiah enjoys support from a loyal segment of erstwhile Telugu Desam (TD) voters, the BRS faces hurdles, including a reported fund crunch. Veeraiah has hit back at the ruling party, alleging the misuse of police power and excessive spending. Meanwhile, the apparent “non-challant attitude” of Rajya Sabha MP B. Parthasarathy Reddy has become a talking point among locals.
Aswaraopet: The Direct Face-Off
Aswaraopet has taken on a unique dynamic, as both parties have already announced their chairperson candidates for the General Women’s seat. It is a direct race between Jupalli Sasikala (Congress) and Kasani Padma (BRS).
The opposition party is attempting to capitalize on local friction against the sitting Congress MLA, while Congress is focusing on house-to-house outreach. In this municipality, the “settler” vote bank is expected to be the ultimate kingmaker. Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, who addressed an election rally in Kallur, found fault BRS regime, which ignored the development in Aswaraopet
Kallur: The BRS Stronghold?
Despite the Congress party’s statewide momentum, the “mouth-talk” in Kallur currently leans toward the BRS. The opposition’s campaign is spearheaded by Lakkineni Raghu, regarded as a star campaigner, with strong backing from leaders like Katta Ajay and Palepu Rama Rao. In contrast, the Congress lacks a similarly prominent local face in Kallur, with candidates largely relying on “last-minute election engineering” by district leadership.
The District Outlook
Congress enters the fray with heavy artillery: the combined influence of three cabinet ministers—Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Tummala Nageswara Rao, and Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy. While the BRS lacks state-level campaigners on the ground, they are fighting a localized, grassroots battle to reclaim their relevance.
Principal Correspondent, Prime Post
Adapa Dora, journalist cum farmer, proved his excellence in both the fields. While working in Andhra Bhoomi (Telugu Paper) and Deccan Chronicle, he forced a famous seed company to pay compensation to the maize farmers for crop loss due to the supply of spurious seeds to them. He wished to maintain harmony between tribals and non-tribals in the mandals of Bhadradri-Kothagudem district for the prosperous of both groups.
