Kadapa Lok Sabha Elections 2024: YS family bastion braces for litmus test as Sharmila makes her poll debut

Sharmila, daughter of the late Chief Minister YSR and sister of YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, presents a significant contender.

The Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh comprises 10 Assembly and two Lok Sabha constituencies, where the YSR Congress party (YSRC) is eyeing a complete electoral sweep. Competing parties such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Jana Sena Party (JSP), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have all fielded candidates for the upcoming elections.

YS Avinash Reddy, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Kadapa representing the YSRC, won his debut elections in 2014 with a margin of 190,323 votes. In 2019, he further solidified his position, doubling the vote margin.

The legacy of the Kadapa Lok Sabha seat is deeply intertwined with the YSR family, spanning back to 1989 when former Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy claimed victory thrice. Subsequently, Y S Vivekananda Reddy held the seat twice, followed by YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy's successful tenure in 2009 and the 2012 bypoll. Avinash has been representing the seat since 2014, upholding the family's legacy.

Also read: Darbhanga 2024 Lok Sabha election phase 4: Key constituencies and candidates.

Despite his previous successes, Avinash is facing a formidable challenge in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. A three-way battle looms large with the candidacy of Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee chief YS Sharmila Reddy and TDP Chadipiralla Bhupesh Subbarami Reddy.

Sharmila, daughter of the late Chief Minister YSR and sister of YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, presents a significant contender. Her entry into electoral politics has captured widespread attention, especially considering the proximity of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's Pulivendula Assembly segment within the Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency.

Notably, the contest takes on added significance due to the familial dynamics at play, with Avinash facing accusations related to the alleged murder of their uncle Y S Vivekananda Reddy, pitting him directly against Sharmila, his cousin.

Voting in Kadapa is due on May 13.