Despite YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s all-out efforts to thwart Pawan Kalyan’s ambition to enter the Andhra Pradesh assembly this time, it is going to be a canter for the Janasena president as per the latest ground reports from Pithapuram constituency.
Though Pawan Kalyan’s surprise decision to relocate from Bhimavaram to Pithapuram initially appeared to be a strategic mistake, the political odds now seem to be hugely favouring the alliance given the recent developments in the constituency. The YSRCP expected former MLA SVSN Varma to rebel against the TDP’s decision to put him aside and allot the seat to Janasena chief as part of the alliance. Had he not been cajoled by Chandra Babu Naidu against contesting as a rebel with an assurance of an MLC post, he would have posed a big threat to Pawan Kalyan’s winning chances by splitting the votes of TDP.
Having come to terms with the party’s high command, Varma has vowed to extend his full support to Pawan Kalyan. Varma wields a significant clout among TDP voters in Pithapuram constituency. So, he will play a decisive role in Pawan Kalyan’s victory. Moreover, Chandra Babu Naidu has reportedly told Varma to closely monitor the constituency and make sure that Janasena wins with a thumping majority. If Varma abides by his promise made to Naidu, it will be a cakewalk for Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram.
Even though Jagan is marshalling all his leaders to Pithapuram and also shelling out crores of money to defeat Pawan Kalyan by hook or crook, it is going to be a futile exercise as per political experts because the majority of Kapu voters in the constituency are inclined towards Janasena this time irrespective of the money spent by YSRCP leaders during the elections. The support of the TDP cadre will further bolster the chances for Pawan Kalyan.
As many surveys are predicting a resounding victory for the alliance in the State, voters of Pithapuram are likely to support Janasena so that Pawan will take up various developmental activities in the constituency in the next five years. Also, the fact that there is a huge anti-incumbency on Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government is another reason why Pawan Kalyan will romp home with a landslide victory in these elections.