Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu may fight Lok Sabha polls

VIJAYAWADA: Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu is planning to contest Lok Sabha elections from one of the seats in Krishna or Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh. Rayudu, who made his intentions to bat on the political pitch clear, is all set to join YSRCP.
Rayudu comes from Guntur and had met Andhra Pradesh CM and YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy twice last week. Although Jagan is reportedly keen to field Rayudu in the next polls, he is yet to take a call on whether to field him in assembly or Lok Sabha polls.
“CM Jagan Mohan Reddy is a big inspiration for youngsters entering politics. He is spearheading development in all the regions instead of concentrating on one area,” said Rayudu. He said he would go by Jagan’s decision.
Sources said senior politicians in the party have suggested that Rayudu pick up either Ponnur or Guntur West segments in case he wants to contest assembly polls. They think Machilipatnam Lok Sabha constituency is his best option.
YSRCP has sitting MP V Balasoury from Machilipatnam and MLA KV Rosaiah from Ponnur. Although, Guntur West legislator Maddali Giridhar won the last poll as a TDP nominee, he switched sides to YSRCP later. Speculation is rife that Balasoury may be replaced with a new candidate. Moreover, Balasoury is said to be planning to contest assembly polls in 2024. He is reportedly keen on contesting from Ponnur. In such a case, Rayudu would be an option from Machilipatnam, sources said.