Live from Pithapuram: TDP leads as Jagan Reddy trails

There is a mix of excitement and tension as Pawan Kalyan, the actor-turned-politician and Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief, vies for his first electoral victory

Pawan Kalyan, Jana Sena founder and popular actor Pawan Kalyan, is currently leading from the Pithapuram Assembly seat in Andhra Pradesh. Contesting against Kalyan is Vanga Geetha Viswanatham of Jagan Mohan Reddy’s Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP).

Pawan Kalyan, the actor-turned-politician and Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief, vies for his first electoral victory. This election is crucial for Kalyan, as it marks his second attempt since entering politics a decade ago. Despite his unsuccessful attempts in 2014 and 2019, they have influenced his political career and consolidated his party's support. Exit polls have indicated a strong performance by him and his party, bringing a confident smile to his face.

There is widespread betting in the Godavari region, with large sums of money being wagered on Kalyan’s chances. The Pithapuram Assembly constituency, with its 2.35 lakh voters, is the focal point of this intense political drama. The main questions on everyone's mind are whether Pawan Kalyan will secure his first win and by what margin.

In the 2019 elections, Pawan Kalyan faced defeats in both Bhimavaram and Gajuwaka Assembly seats. This time, he is contesting from Pithapuram against V. Geetha, the sitting Kakinada MP and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) candidate. The constituency has approximately 82,000 Kapu community voters, which is crucial to Kalyan’s campaign. His charisma, anti-incumbency sentiment, and widespread dissatisfaction with the current government are his significant assets. This sentiment, if harnessed effectively, could significantly impact the election outcome.

The allocation of seats to Jana Sena as part of the NDA alliance has attracted significant attention. Kalyan, a member of the dominant Kapu community, is counting on this support to secure his victory. The ruling YSRCP, well aware of the challenge, has fielded V. Geetha, who belongs to the Kapu community, intensifying this race into a highly competitive battle.

Initially, local TDP supporters opposed the seat allocation to Jana Sena, leading to tensions. Former TDP legislator SVSN Varma, a critical local figure, was convinced by TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu to support Kalyan, ensuring a unified front. Varma and his followers have been actively campaigning, highlighting the failures of the YSRCP government and promoting the NDA’s agenda. The NDA, a national political alliance, has been advocating for various issues, including economic development, national security, and social justice, which are expected to resonate with the voters in Pithapuram.

Kalyan has been actively campaigning in Pithapuram, connecting with voters through roadshows, public meetings, and direct outreach. His pledge to complete the Purushothapatnam Lift irrigation project has resonated with many, especially the farming community. The NDA anticipates substantial support from the Kapu community, with Varma forecasting over 80% of Kapu votes in Kalyan’s favour.

Meanwhile, Geetha is confident in her track record and believes she can secure votes from all sectors, including the Kapu community. The YSRCP’s welfare initiatives, such as the Amma Vodi scheme, which provides financial aid to mothers for their children's education, and local development projects like the Polavaram project for irrigation and the construction of new roads, are pivotal to her campaign. Despite the competition, she maintains that her experience and connection with the masses will ultimately prevail.

Pithapuram has seen a surge in interest due to Kalyan’s candidacy. His appeal as a film star and his promises to address local issues have energised his campaign. The Matsyakara (fishermen) community, the second-largest group in the constituency, also shows strong support for him, influenced by his visits and aid during crises like the Visakhapatnam harbour fire. The community, known for its strong social and political networks, is expected to play a significant role in the election.

As vote counting continues, the YSRCP office appears less busy than the bustling JSP headquarters. Local leaders from both parties remain hopeful yet cautious. The YSRCP’s recent promises, including a Rs 200 crore allotment for flood relief in Gollaprolu Mandal, aim to secure crucial votes.

"In contrast, JSP leaders are confident, leveraging Kalyan’s star power and community ties. They argue that previous governments, including YSRCPs, have not fulfilled their promises, and it’s time for a change. The JSP, focusing on job creation, infrastructure development, and social welfare, has advocated for a comprehensive development agenda for the constituency. The constituency’s historical and cultural significance, including its religious sites, added another layer to the election, with JSP promising to boost temple tourism and local employment.

As the final votes are tallied, all eyes are on Pithapuram. The outcome will not only determine Pawan Kalyan’s political future but also reflect the shifting dynamics in Andhra Pradesh. The high-stakes battle in this constituency is a microcosm of the giant electoral contest, with implications that extend far beyond Pithapuram. The election result could potentially influence the balance of power in the state and shape the political landscape for the next few years."