The scorching sun relentlessly shines down upon Badvel's arid landscape, causing heat waves to shimmer across the horizon. This small town is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, as the air is thick with anticipation and political fervour. Badvel, nestled in the heart of the YSR district and is a Scheduled Caste reserved constituency, has become the epicentre of a stirring political revival.
The weather department has warned of an upcoming heatwave as the temperature rises to 42 degrees Celsius. Despite the oppressive heat, the atmosphere in the town is charged with excitement as a multitude of Congress flags waves in the breeze, signalling a resurgence of political activity.
This development is of great significance to the people of Badvel. Once a stronghold of the Congress party, the town's political fortunes dwindled after the division of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. However, after nearly a decade of political inactivity, the Congress party's flag is again flying high, rekindling the citizens' hopes for a brighter future.
Y.S. Sharmila, daughter of the late Chief Minister Rajasekhara Reddy, leads the resurgence of the political scene in her town. Dressed in a beautiful baby pink saree with a fluorescent green border, Sharmila stands out amidst the crowd of supporters with her palpable sense of determination. Her presence brings new energy to the town's political arena.
The campaign begins at Amagampalli, a bustling junction where people of all ages have gathered in anticipation of catching a glimpse of their leader. As Sharmila boards the bus, her attire, contrasting with the dusty surroundings, commands attention. Adorned with a watch on her left hand, she exudes confidence and resolve, imbuing the spirit of her illustrious father.
Sharmila addresses the gathered crowd with passion and conviction. She talks about YSR, a Congressman who did many good things as a chief minister. She then talks about Jagan, the current chief minister, and accuses him of selling out the state to BJP. Sharmila rallies support for the party's resurgence by invoking memories of her father's transformative governance and unwavering commitment to the people.
However, Sharmila's mission extends beyond mere political ambition. She seeks justice for her paternal uncle, YS Vivekananda Reddy, whose tragic demise remains shrouded in mystery. She accuses her cousin, YS Avinash Reddy, a Member of Parliament, of complicity in the murder. She denounces the prevailing culture of impunity and corruption.
The unfulfilled commitments made during the bifurcation, such as the much-awaited special category status and the establishment of the Kadapa steel plant, are a sad reminder of the current government's failures. Sharmila promises to deliver on these commitments and stresses that progress can be achieved through the resurgence of the Congress party.
Repeatedly invoking her father's name, former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, she emphasised her identity as 'Rajanna bidda' (Rajasekhara Reddy's daughter) to resonate with the voters.
Amidst Badvel's charged atmosphere, another poignant voice joins the chorus of dissent and demands justice. Sunitha Narreddy, cousin of Sharmila and daughter of the late YS Vivekananda Reddy, steps forward to address the crowd, speaking with raw emotion and steely determination.
Sunitha paints a vivid picture of her father's legacy, a man who transcended ideological differences and earned the respect and admiration of all who knew him. She asks how anyone could have killed him so brutally, her voice trembling with grief. Her father's untimely demise is shrouded in mystery, and violence hangs heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the perils of political dissent.
Sunitha accuses the incumbent Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, of complicity in her father's murder. She condemns his decision to grant a party ticket to the accused despite overwhelming evidence pointing to their involvement in the heinous crime. Sunitha laments that Jagan has kept his sister away from the political sphere, echoing the sentiments of a grieving family betrayed by those entrusted with upholding justice.
Varun Reddy, a local tea seller, excitedly leaves his shop in his brother's care to join the crowds gathering to hear Sharmila speak. "We are staunch followers of the Rajasekhar Reddy family," he exclaims. "This is the first time Sharmila is speaking and contesting from here. She reflects our beloved late Chief Minister."
The atmosphere is charged with emotion as Sharmila takes to the stage, her words resonating with the crowd. K Gopal Krishna, who had been on his way to attend to his business affairs in Badvel, is glad to see Congress flags and supporters in the area after many years. "It's refreshing to see Sharmila breathe new life into the party," he remarks, feeling nostalgic.
However, amidst the excitement and anticipation, there are voices of scepticism and doubt. D Suresh, a local newspaper stringer, offers a different perspective, cautioning against Sharmila's decision to contest against her brother, the state's Chief Minister. "She shouldn't fight against her brother, who has done many things for the state as the Chief Minister," he opines. I don't think she can do any wonders in this direct fight between the YSRCP and the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance".
Meanwhile, Sharmila formally invited former Minister and YSRCP leader Killi Kruparani to join the Congress party fold.
As the bus winds its way through the villages of Itukulapadu, Varikuntla, Kalsapadu, Pourmamilla, and Payalakuntla, Sunitha's words linger in the air, a haunting reminder of the injustices that continue to plague the region. With each passing moment, the resolve to seek truth and accountability grows stronger, fueled by voices like Sunitha's unwavering determination.
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