Andhra Pradesh Key Candidates in Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Check complete list, profile of key contestants

As Andhra Pradesh went through Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections on May 13, key candidates from major parties have emerged. Notable contenders include YSRCP president YS Jagan from Pulivendula, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu contesting from Kuppam, and actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan representing Pithapuram. AP Congress president YS Sharmila, sister of YS Jagan, is vying for the Kadapa seat, while BJP state chief Purandeswari is in the fray from Rajamahendravaram. The political arena is set for a showdown between the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and a formidable coalition comprising the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Jana Sena Party (JSP), led by veteran politician N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Changing political landscape

Once a bastion of Congress, Andhra Pradesh witnessed a significant shift in political dynamics, with regional parties gaining prominence. In the 2019 elections, YSRCP dominated, winning 22 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats, reshaping the state's political landscape.

Coalition Dynamics

The current elections is witnessing a fierce battle between two coalitions - the BJP-TDP-JSP alliance and the Congress-led INDIA bloc. With strategic seat distributions, alliances are gearing up for a tightly contested electoral race.

Key players and caste dynamics

The political landscape in Andhra Pradesh is intricately woven with caste dynamics. Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSRCP, leveraging welfare schemes and inclusivity efforts, aims to consolidate support from backward castes and minorities. Meanwhile, Pawan Kalyan's entry into electoral politics and Congress' revival attempts under Y.S. Sharmila add layers to the electoral landscape.

Key contenders in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections 2024 include Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (YSRCP), TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, JSP's Pawan Kalyan, Congress' Killi Kruparani, Dharmana Prasada Rao (YSRCP), Dharmana Krishna Das (YSRCP), Pamula Pushpa Sreevani (YSRCP), Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy (BJP), Raghu Rama Krishna Raju (TDP), Chintamaneni Prabhakar (TDP), YS Chowdary (BJP), Nadendla Manohar (JSP), Kanna Lakshminarayana (TDP), Adala Prabhakara Reddy (YSRCP), Amzath Basha Shaik Bepari (YSRCP), Nandamuri Balakrishna (TDP), Nallari Kishore Kumar Reddy (TDP), Nara Lokesh (TDP) and Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy (YSRCP).

Profile of key contestants

N Chandrababu Naidu

N. Chandrababu Naidu, a prominent Indian politician born on April 20, 1950, near Tirupati, rose to prominence as the head of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Serving as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh twice (1995–2004 and 2014–19), he emerged as a key figure in Indian politics.

Naidu, hailing from a farming family, entered politics during his college days at Sri Venkateswara University. He initially joined the Indian National Congress and later transitioned to the TDP founded by Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR).

Known for his strategic acumen, Naidu orchestrated a successful intra-party coup against NTR to thwart the influence of his stepmother. Assuming leadership of the TDP and the chief ministership in 1995, he led the party to electoral victories in subsequent years, emphasizing governance, infrastructure, and information technology development.

His tenure witnessed significant economic transformation, particularly in Hyderabad, positioning Andhra Pradesh as an investment hub. Despite national recognition, disillusionment among certain voter segments led to electoral setbacks in 2004.

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy

In a historic ceremony on May 30, 2019, YSR Congress chief Yeduguri Sandinti Jaganmohan Reddy was sworn in as the second Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh following its bifurcation. The YSR Congress achieved a landslide victory, securing 151 out of the 175 seats in the state Assembly in the 2019 elections, effectively overpowering the incumbent TDP led by N Chandrababu Naidu.

The overwhelming win also marked a significant decline for the TDP, which had been the ruling party since the state's division to form Telangana five years prior. Additionally, the YSR Congress secured victory in 22 out of the 25 Lok Sabha seats, solidifying its dominance in both the state legislature and the national parliament.

This triumph holds special significance for Jaganmohan Reddy, who had been sidelined by the Congress party, leading him to forge his own path. Internal assessments within the YSRCP had initially projected a more modest outcome, aiming for around 100-110 seats in the Assembly. However, the final tally far exceeded expectations, with 151 Assembly constituencies and 22 Lok Sabha seats falling into their grasp, surprising even seasoned party members.

Pawan Kalyan

Actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan is contesting from the Pithapuram Assembly segment in Andhra Pradesh. Rising to political prominence in 2008 as the youth wing president of Praja Rajyam, led by his brother Chiranjeevi, he later founded Jana Sena in 2014. Renowned for his impassioned speeches and punch dialogues, Kalyan supported the BJP and TDP alliance in the 2014 elections, though he did not contest. His entry into the political arena adds a new dimension to Andhra Pradesh's electoral landscape, promising a spirited competition in the upcoming polls.

Killi Kruparani

Killi Kruparani, representing the Indian National Congress (INC), is contesting from the 3. Tekkali (General) Assembly constituency in Andhra Pradesh in the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections. According to the Election Commission of India's affidavit, she is a 60-year-old Doctor with declared assets totaling Rs 6.4 crore, including Rs 3.1 crore in movable assets and Rs 3.3 crore in immovable assets. Her total income stands at Rs 20.9 lakh, with Rs 8 lakh being self-income, and she carries liabilities of Rs 1.3 crore. Notably, Kruparani has no criminal cases registered against her. The Tekkali Assembly seat, located in the Coastal Andhra region, is classified as rural, with no reservation status. Voting for this constituency was scheduled on Monday, May 13, 2024, coinciding with Phase 4 of the 2024 Lok Sabha general elections.

Dharmana Prasada Rao 

Dharmana Prasada Rao, representing the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), emerges as a candidate from the 5. Srikakulam (General) Assembly constituency in the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections. His disclosed professions, as per the Election Commission of India's affidavit, encompass Agriculturalist, Social Work, and Shares in Business. At 66 years old, Rao declares assets totaling Rs 28.4 crore, including Rs 15.4 crore in movable assets and Rs 13 crore in immovable assets. His income stands at Rs 80.1 lakh, with Rs 27.8 lakh being self-income, coupled with liabilities of Rs 5.9 crore. Notably, Rao's affidavit reveals 8 criminal cases against him. Srikakulam Assembly seat, situated in the Coastal Andhra region, is semi-urban and has no reservation status. Voting for this constituency was slated for Monday, May 13, 2024, coinciding with Phase 4 of the 2024 Lok Sabha general elections.

High stakes

With stakes high for all parties, Andhra Pradesh emerges as a battleground that could redefine the region's political future. As social engineering and caste calculations come into play, the nation watches closely as the state prepares for a crucial electoral test.

Previous election results

In the 2019 elections, YSRCP emerged victorious, securing 151 Assembly seats, while TDP won 23 seats and Janasena claimed one. In the Lok Sabha polls, YSRCP triumphed in 22 seats, with TDP securing victory in three constituencies.

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