Former IAS officer Ratnaprabha's candidature has surprised many people. Even the BJP leaders were shocked at the announcement. Ratnaprabha is not a Tirupati local. In fact, she had worked mostly in Karnataka and had a very small deputation stint in AP. So, why was she selected?
Sources say that Ratnaprabha's selection was a well-thought out plan and it is the Central leadership has suggested her name to the state leadership. Interestingly, sources say that Ratnaprabha's name was never in the consideration at the state level. However, the Centre was impressed by her professional profile and her grasp of things. More than anything, it is her caste that has tilted scales in her favour.
Since both the key candidates in Tirupati bypoll are from the Mala community, the BJP wanted a Madiga to be its candidate. A Madiga would help in consolidating Madiga votes and that this would have a state-wide impact. The Madigas are present in considerable numbers in Prakasam, Nellore, Chittoor and Rayalaseema. TDP candidate Panabaka Lakshmi and YSRCP candidate Gurumurthy are Malas, while Ratnaprabha is a Madiga. This, insiders say, is the real reason for her selection as the candidate for Tirupati seat.
Sources say that Ratnaprabha's selection was a well-thought out plan and it is the Central leadership has suggested her name to the state leadership. Interestingly, sources say that Ratnaprabha's name was never in the consideration at the state level. However, the Centre was impressed by her professional profile and her grasp of things. More than anything, it is her caste that has tilted scales in her favour.
Since both the key candidates in Tirupati bypoll are from the Mala community, the BJP wanted a Madiga to be its candidate. A Madiga would help in consolidating Madiga votes and that this would have a state-wide impact. The Madigas are present in considerable numbers in Prakasam, Nellore, Chittoor and Rayalaseema. TDP candidate Panabaka Lakshmi and YSRCP candidate Gurumurthy are Malas, while Ratnaprabha is a Madiga. This, insiders say, is the real reason for her selection as the candidate for Tirupati seat.