Change is smouldering in the political crucible of Nagari with Gali Jagadish, son of the late Gali Muddukrishnama Naidu, striving to solidify his standing within the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).
He recently met party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy in Tadepalle, but no definitive assurance has been provided concerning his candidacy for the Nagari MLA seat.
Party insiders say the focus appears to have shifted toward the possible delimitation of Assembly segments, which could potentially alter the political landscape in the region. Currently, Mr. Jagadish’s elder brother, Gali Bhanuprakash, who, contesting on a Telugu Desam Party (TDP) ticket, defeated former Minister R.K. Roja in the 2024 elections.
If the delimitation proceeds, the Puttur area—currently part of Nagari—could be separated into a distinct Assembly segment, potentially offering Mr. Jagadish an alternative pathway to contest future elections. However, if the process is postponed, his prospects within the YSRCP may become increasingly uncertain, according to party observers.
Mr. Jagadish’s entry into the YSRCP is reportedly encountering resistance from R.K. Roja. “Nagari has been my stronghold for years, and I have fulfilled my commitments. There is no consideration for the inclusion of additional candidates in this constituency,” Ms. Roja was quoted as saying by one of her close confidants.
Additionally, former Minister Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy, a known political adversary of Ms. Roja within the party, is believed to be endorsing Mr. Jagadish’s aspirations. A senior YSRCP leader from Chittoor district, wishing to remain anonymous, said: “Numerous internal considerations are influencing these developments. Should Ms. Roja persist in her opposition, the leadership may need to reassess how to manage these competing power dynamics.”
Supporters of Ms. Roja contend that the ultimate decision regarding Mr. Jagadish’s future lies with Mr. Jagan, who is reportedly assessing the nuances of party unity against electoral strategy. A local YSRCP leader, seeking anonymity, said: “Following the party’s debacle [in the 2024 election], Mr. Jagan seeks to optimise our seat acquisition in the next elections. If that necessitates restructuring leadership in certain constituencies, then it shall be undertaken.”
Amid speculation surrounding the ‘Jamli elections’ in 2027, Nagari remains a significant electoral battleground, with evolving political alliances and potential reconfiguration of constituencies shaping the region’s political future. Party cadre assert that the forthcoming months would be crucial in determining whether Mr. Jagadish secures a position within the YSRCP’s electoral strategy or encounters further political obstacles.
Published - February 13, 2025 08:23 pm IST
