‘Na Mo’ wave may sweep away Gorantla’s hopes

The ‘Na Mo’ wave that is said to be sweeping across the country has hit East Godavari district. The BJP, which is trying to capitalise on the growing popularity of Modi, has reportedly set eyes on the Rajahmundry seat, alarming TDP senior leader Gorantla Buchaiah Chowdary. He has been elected MLA four times from Rajahmundry. In the changed political scenario, TDP may have to concede Rajahmundry seat if the BJP demands, analysts say. However, Gorantla’s supporters allege that this is part of a conspiracy hatched by his rivals because no other leader from the TDP could occupy the seat as long as he is in the party.

The BJP’s presence is negligible in Rajahmundry. It has a little presence in one or two Assembly segments in Kakinada Parliamentary constituency and the reserved seat at Ayyaji Vema of Konaseema. Actor UV Krishnam Raju and cable TV proprietor Devavarapu Srinivasa Rao are already in the race for the Kakinada LS ticket. The confusion that prevailed following the floating of Pawan Kalyan’s ‘Jana Sena’ has finally cleared. The BJP has zeroed in on the Rajahmundry Assembly seat after protracted discussions on seat-sharing with the TDP. Despite demands from BJP national executive committee member Somu Veerraju that the Rajahmundry MP seat should be given to Akula Satyanarayana, TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu has refused to oblige as actor Muralimohan has been widely publicised as the TDP candidate for this ticket. Then, the BJP sought Rajahmundry urban constituency to which the TDP agreed. With this, Somu Veerraju, Akula Satyanarayana and Addepalli Sridhar entered the fray for the ticket. It is said that Akula Satyanarayana and Addepalli Sridhar are willing to make way for Somu Veerraju if he decides to contest to the Assembly either from Rajahmundry or Rajahmundry rural.