Seemandhra heat fails to deter poll campaign

Temperatures hovering around 40 degree celsius in coastal towns of Vijayawada, Eluru, Visakhapatnam and Guntur, and the unforgiving dry heat of Rayalaseema failed to deter politicians from campaigning in the Seemandhra region.

Political heavyweights of the residual state of Andhra Pradesh have embarked on campaign trail to cover the 13 districts.

The Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), YSR Congress (YSRC), Jai Samaikyandhra Party (JSP) and the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) have launched their campaign in Seemandhra region braving the heat.

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee chief N Raghuveera Reddy and campaign committee chairman K Chiranjeevi kicked off the party’s campaign with a Bus Yatra from Srikakulam.

On Friday, former chief minister and JSP chief N Kiran Kumar Reddy launched a two-day road show in Jaggaiahpeta, Vatsavai, Penuganchiprolu and Peadana in Krishna district.

YSRC chief Jaganmohan Reddy took part in a roadshow in Mandapeta in West Godavari. The party’s symbol, ceiling fan, has been successfully projected as a device to bring relief from the summer heat.

The Congress, the party that is facing rough weather in Seemandrha region, is heavily banking on the image of actor-turned-politician and Union Minister of State for Tourism K Chiranjeevi. 

Addressing a rally, Chiranjeevi alleged that Reddy had misled the people by concealing the facts and packages announced by the Union government to Seemandhra region. He alleged that several Congress leaders ditched the party after enjoying power for several decades.

Reddy blamed the Congress and the BJP for dividing the state. Seeking the support of the people, he said two national parties and two regional parties had facilitated the division. “Jagan is coming to you to become chief minister, while I have relinquished the post for the sake of united Andhra Pradesh,” said Reddy.

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu addressed a series of Praja Garjana meetings in Seemandhra and Kurnool in Rayalaseema.