One seat, five claimants: Story of Yemmiganur

An interesting political battle is on in the ruling YSRCP over Yemmiganuru assembly constituency under the Kurnool Lok Sabha constituency. There are more than three claimants for the YSRCP ticket in this constituency and this is leading to deep divisions within the YSRCP. The top bosses of the party too are keeping cards close to their chest leading to more disquiet.

Sitting MLA Yerrakota Chenna Keshava Reddy is said to be reluctant to contest this time. Instead, he is trying to advocate the case of his son. He has already begun the ground work for his son. However, locally strong Veerashaiva leader Rudra Goud, who is also the chairperson of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Corporation, is making a strong bid for his own candidature.

He is confident that if given a ticket, he would be able to post a facile victory. Former MP Butta Renuka too is trying for Yemmiganur. She is said to have told the high command that in the event she is not made an MP candidate, she should be given the ticket to contest for the assembly from Yemmiganur.

There are two more aspirants for the YSRCP ticket. Mantralayam MLA Balanagireddy's son Dharani Reddy is making a bid for the seat. The family has three MLAs already and wants a fourth one from Kurnool district. KUDA chairperson Harshavardhan Reddy is also trying for the party ticket. Thus Yemmiganuru has five claimants from the YSRCP. It remains to be seen who will finally get the ticket.