The Telugu Desam Party seems to be finding it difficult to finalize a suitable candidate who can take on YSRCP Minister Botsa Satyanarayana in his stronghold Cheepurupalli. As a three-time MLA, who won in 2004, 2009 and 2019 from the same constituency, Botsa wields significant influence there because of the solid vote bank in the Kapu community. He lost in 2014 to Kimidi Mrunalini but reclaimed the seat in 2019 by winning with a decisive majority against Kimidi Nagarjuna of TDP.
As per the internal survey reports of TDP, Botsa is tipped to be re-elected as MLA if it repeats the same opponent. So, it wants to frustrate his winning chances by fielding a strong leader from the same community. Hence, Chandra Babu Naidu zeroed in on Ganta Srinivasa Rao, a powerful leader of Coastal Andhra who won five times as MLA from various segments in Vishakapatnam district. Naidu believes that Ganta will be a fierce opponent against Botsa because of his track record and strong financial status.
But, Ganta Srinivasa Rao is unwilling to relocate to Cheepurupalli. He expressed his opinion to Naidu several times and also proposed to contest from Bheemili this time. But, Naidu is very particular about pitting him against Botsa. Meanwhile, another prominent TDP leader Kimidi Kala Venkat Rao, father of Kimidi Nagarjuna, also expressed his unwillingness to contest from Cheepurupalli.
Naidu held deliberations with Ganta on Wednesday morning and once again tried to convince him to contest against Botsa Satyanarayana. However, Ganta was not fully convinced and didn’t give any consent. He has reportedly sought some time to decide on shifting from Vizag to Cheepurupalli. Ganta feels that it will not be cakewalk for him in the upcoming assembly elections if he shifts out of Vizag.
The uncertainty over the Cheepurupalli candidate from TDP might continue until Ganta takes a firm decision.