Kadapa, January 14: Is health minister and senior Congress leader DL Ravindra Reddy losing grip in his constituency due to Jagan factor? The recent developments in Mydukur constituency, which is represented by Ravindra Reddy in the Assembly, make one believe so. Besides his political foe in the constituency S Raghurami Reddy joining Jagan Mohan Reddy camp, Ravindra Reddy’s supporters chose Jagan over him.Ravindra Reddy’s cousin brothers, D Srinivasulu Reddy and D Gangadhar Reddy, who had sailed with him for 30 long years have decided to part ways.
It is a known fact that the two cousins had played a vital role in Ravindra Reddy winning the Mydukur Assembly seat six times. Srinivasulu Reddy had in the past worked as Khazipet MPP, while Gangadhar Reddy, who was the vice-sarpanch of Khazipet, is now an MPTC.Both of them were unhappy with Ravindra Reddy for sometime now for not supporting them politically or economically. They both crossed over to the Jagan camp in the hope that they have better prospects there.
Political observers say that Ravindra Reddy, who had represented the constituency for six terms and served as minister thrice, may face a rough weather in the constituency.
Meanwhile, the minister’s main aide Sudarshan Reddy, B Mattam mandal MPP Subba Rao and several other second rung leaders are likely to join the Jagan camp. There is considerable exodus of second and lower rung leaders in B Mattam, Duvuru, Chapadu and Mydukur mandals of Mydukur constituency from the Congress to Jagan’s party.
It is learnt that about 50 per cent of Ravindra Reddy’s supporters may jump on the Jagan bandwagon.
When contacted, Srinivasulu Reddy and Gangadhar Reddy said they have decided to lend their support to Jagan Mohan Reddy as their support to Ravindra Reddy for the last 30 years had not benefited them. They admitted that there were efforts to stop them from leaving Congress party, but they have already decided to join the Jagan camp.
The entry of former TD leader Raghurami Reddy has further strengthened the Jagan party base in Mydukur mandal and the ensuing bypolls for Kadapa Parliament will be a testing time for Ravindra Reddy.
–Agencies