naidu-favoured-but-faces-a-young-and-tough-ysrcp-challenge

The Kuppam assembly segment in Andhra Pradesh's Rayalaseema region is testing the political future of Telugu Desam Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu. News Arena India Editor-in-Chief Naveen S Garewal travels to the constituency sandwiched between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and reports that Naidu, despite being voters' favourite, is facing a challenge from the YSRCP. 

Nestled in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, the Kuppam assembly constituency holds immense political clout as it is the home turf of N Chandrababu Naidu, the former Chief Minister and leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Situated in the Chittoor district along the border with Karnataka, it has elected Naidu seven times since 1989 and is now witnessing an intriguing battle in the upcoming 2024 state elections. 

At 74, the veteran leader is challenged by a 35-year-old sitting member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council, Krishna Raghava Jayendra Bharath, fielded by the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). Bharath's late father, K Chandra Mouli, contested against Naidu in 2019 but lost by a margin of 30,722 votes. The YSRCP's decision to field the young Turk has turned Kuppam into a keenly watched contest, pitting one of the state's youngest candidates against its senior-most politician in what is seen as a clash of generations. 

Situated between Tamil Nadu to the east and Karnataka to the west, the Kuppam constituency finds its political landscape profoundly shaped by its proximity to these neighbouring states. This border location bears a significant influence on the dynamics of the region. 

Kuppam, one of the seven Chittoor Lok Sabha constituency assembly segments, has around 2.2 lakh registered voters. In 2019, the TDP secured 55.2% of the votes (1,21,448), while Mouli garnered 69,424 (31.54%). However, the situation is not on one side this time, as the YSRCP's slew of welfare schemes, like Amma Vodi and YSR Rythu Bharosa, have resonated with the electorate, potentially swaying their loyalty in a state where caste and welfare politics often dictate electoral outcomes. 

Bharath claims the winds of change are blowing in Kuppam, accusing Naidu of neglecting the constituency despite his lofty promises. Given the similar distance from Bengaluru, he questions why the former CM did not establish the KIA Motors plant in Kuppam instead of Anantapur. Bharath asserts that the YSRCP's welfare initiatives have empowered the people of Kuppam, who now have access to ration cards, pensions, and housing benefits. 

The YSRCP has appointed voluntary officers to address the people's grievances, further boosting its popularity in a region where grassroots connect often translates into votes. Bharath confidently predicts a victory margin of over 25,000 votes, breaking Naidu's continuous seven-term winning streak. The party's president and Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, is determined to defeat Naidu in Kuppam at any cost, seeing it as a symbolic victory over his political rival. In a recent public rally, Jagan stated, "Defeating Naidu in his backyard will be the final nail in the coffin for the TDP." 

To reinforce his connection with the local populace, Naidu has undertaken various campaigns, such as roadshows, public meetings, door-to-door canvassing and interactions with party workers. Naidu has unveiled ambitious development plans for the region. He vowed to transform Kuppam into a model town and outlined specific initiatives to uplift various sectors. He has pledged to develop the local airstrip, facilitating farmers engaged in agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture to export their produce internationally. 

While Naidu won Kuppam with a comfortable margin of 47,217 votes in 2014, his victory vote was reduced to 30,722 in 2019, indicating a shift in the political landscape. The YSRCP's local body election victories, capturing 85 out of 89 Panchayat seats, have added to the party's confidence in making further inroads into the TDP stronghold. Naidu has hit back, accusing the YSRCP of utilising state resources to woo voters and calling the welfare schemes a "lollipop politics" tactic. 

Although Naidu remains the favourite, the formidable challenge from Bharath and the YSRCP's welfare agenda has forced the veteran leader to re-strategise his campaign in his long-held bastion. In a recent statement, Naidu emphasised, "Kuppam is not just an assembly seat for me; it is a matter of pride and legacy. I will not let the YSRCP's divisive politics take it away." 

Kuppam is undoubtedly a battleground to watch, as the outcome could shape the future political dynamics in Andhra Pradesh, where the TDP and YSRCP are engaged in a fierce battle for supremacy. Both parties have left no stone unturned in their bid to claim this politically significant seat, making it one of the most high-stakes contests in the state elections. 

Despite the YSRCP's gains in local body elections, the TDP leaders and supporters remain resolute in their belief in Naidu's ability to emerge victorious.