YSRCP, Jana Sena yet to identify winning horses in Krishna

Vijayawada: The brass of main Opposition YSR Congress and Jana Sena who are touring in the state, couldn't select or identify the contestants or in-charges for the two parliamentary constituencies in Krishna district so far.

Though the YSR Congress supported simultaneous and early election for the state and the Centre, the leadership didn't appoint Parliament candidates for Machilipatnam and Vijayawada constituencies.

Even Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, who stated that his would contest in all the constituencies, couldn't give party responsibilities to anyone in the important Parliamentary constituencies. Now, the parties situation has turned into a debatable topic in the political circles.

The YSRCP managed to select candidates for Machilipatnam and Vijayawada parliamentary constituencies after much difficulty in the last election. Industrialist Koneru Rajendra Prasad and former minister K Pardha Saradhi contested for Vijayawada and Machilipatnam constituencies. Both the leaders were defeated with a huge margin of votes.

Koneru Rajendra Prasad never appeared in the city or took part in the party meeting after his defeat. Similarly, Pardha Saradhi never acted as Machilipatnam parliament candidate though he has been continuing in the party. 

According to sources, Pardha Saradhi is keen to contest for the Assembly segment only. The YSR Congress selected persons in-charge for all the Assembly segments during the Jagan’s walkathon in the district.

The candidates were given nod to act as candidates for the next election. But the party leadership could not select suitable candidates for two parliamentary constituencies, said one senior leader of YSR Congress on condition of anonymity. He said that nearly Rs 100 crore should be spent for the next election from now onwards, though, the result is not assured in favour of them.

Some candidates may come to contest at the time of election, he opined. The Jana Sena party is also facing the similar situation. Indeed, Jana Sena has a sizable vote bank in Machilipatnam constituency.

But the party could not select a leader for organising the party activities. Similarly, no prominent leader joined JSP so far from Vijayawada Parliamentary constituency. With the elections approaching fast, how the Jana Sena would contest the elections, said a senior Congress leader.