Atmakur Assembly constituency in Nellore is gearing up for an interesting battle as the YSRCP and TDP have announced their candidates for the upcoming elections. Mekapati Vikram Reddy, the younger brother of late Industries and IT Minister Mekapati Goutham Reddy, will be representing the YSRCP, while the TDP has chosen Anam Ramanarayana Reddy as their candidate.
The TDP has a history of wins in Atmakur, with victories in 1994 and 1999. However, they have faced several defeats in subsequent elections. On the other hand, the YSRCP has emerged victorious in three elections, with Mekapati Goutham Reddy securing wins in 2014 and 2019, and Mekapati Vikram Reddy winning the 2022 by-election.
Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, who was elected as a Congress candidate in 2009, is now contesting on the TDP ticket. In the 2014 elections, he experienced a major setback, finishing third and losing his deposit. Meanwhile, Mekapati Goutham Reddy secured a significant number of votes for the YSRCP.
Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, known for his developmental work in Atmakur, hopes to bank on the anti-incumbency factor, differences within the Mekapati family, and the support of old Congress leaders in the region. He believes that these factors, along with the backing of influential leaders like Bollineni Krishnama Naidu and Kommilakshmaiah Naidu, will lead him to victory.
There is also a potential advantage for the TDP with the merger of Marripadu mandal into Atmakur Assembly constituency. Former YSRCP MLA Mekapati Chandrasekhar Reddy, who has a stronghold in Marripadu, recently quit the party and pledged his support to the TDP. This move could result in a split in YSRCP votes and provide an edge for the TDP.
The battle in Atmakur is expected to be closely contested, with both parties vigorously campaigning for their respective candidates. The outcome of this election will have significant consequences for the political landscape in Nellore. It remains to be seen which candidate will emerge victorious and represent the aspirations of the people of Atmakur.
With high stakes and intense competition, all eyes are on the Atmakur Assembly constituency as the election date approaches. The candidates, Mekapati Vikram Reddy and Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, will need to employ effective strategies and gain the support of the electorate to secure a win. The final result will undoubtedly shape the future of Atmakur and leave a lasting impact on the region.
