Rarely a commoner gets an opportunity to enter the poll fray as the new entrants are usually from the influential families or from the film industry. But sometimes the unusual happens and it takes place in Srikakulam district.
28-year-old Gedela Gyana Sagar, known as Chaitanya, son of an RTC bus conductor (retired) and a student of CA final year, is contesting the present elections on the Jana Sena Party ticket from Pathapatnam Assembly constituency.
Mr. Chaitanya, who has no political background, hails from Tunglam village in Hiramandalam mandal, one of the Vamasadhara project-affected areas in Srikakulam district, and he is presently a resident of Srikakulam town.
“I have been a follower of Pawan Kalyan for many years. His endeavour to do good for the society inspires me a lot. That is the reason I joined the Jana Sena Party floated by the actor,” says Mr. Chaitanya.
It was Mr. Chaitanya who brought the Uddanam kidney issue to the notice of Mr. Kalyan after which the actor-turned-politician conducted several campaigns and exerted pressure on the State government to initiate some measures such as setting up dialysis centres and providing financial assistance to the patients.
‘Overwhelmed’
It is learnt that Mr. Kalyan, impressed by Mr. Chaitanya's active participation in the programmes in the Uddanam region, Titli cyclone relief works, and a few other social activities, has given the youth an opportunity to contest as an MLA.
“When Kalyan garu asked me to contest the elections, I was overwhelmed and personally feel it as a great opportunity to develop the area,” says Mr. Chaitanya.
According to Mr. Chaitanya, the Pathapatnam constituency has a number of issues such as rehabilitation of Hiramandalam project evacuees, unemployment, lack of proper hospitals and schools.
“Farmers have been crying for help, while the number of unemployed youth is on the rise. Many families are migrating to other regions in search of jobs. In the past 40 years, we have not seen any development. I will put in all my efforts in finding a solution to these issues, if elected,” says Mr. Chaitanya.