Decoding Chandrababu’s Decision For Tirupati

There had been reports that TDP may not field its candidate in Tirupati Lok Sabha by-election in order to support the BJP. It was strongly buzzed that TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu would turn the Tirupati by-election into his advantage and use the opportunity to befriend his former friend and ally BJP. Unlike other constituencies in the state, BJP has considerable strength in Tirupati Lok Sabha constituency. This is the reason TDP always allotted this seat to BJP when they were in coalition. In fact, many thought that TDP would not announce its candidate for the by-election and indirectly support BJP. In fact, BJP is very keen on winning Tirupati after it shocked TRS in Dubbaka by-election. Political analysts thought TDP would back BJP and sit back and watch the game between ruling YSRCP and BJP.

But taking everyone by shock, Chandrababu has announced the candidate. He has fielded former Union Minister Panabaka Lakshmi as the TDP candidate in the by-election. Panabaka had contested the 2019 general election from Tirupati Lok Sabha from TDP and lost to YSRCP’s Durga Prasad by over 2.28 lakh votes. While Durga Prasad had secured 7.22 lakh votes, Panabaka had got 4.94 lakh votes. This means Panabaka is certainly a strong candidate from TDP and Naidu doesn’t want to lose the seat.

With BJP and Janasena planning to clinch Tirupati, the Tirupati by-election looks like a triangular contest between YSRCP, TDP and BJP. This may turn advantage for ruling YSRCP as there is a chance for a split of anti-government votes. YSRCP is planning to field Durga Prasad’s son for the Tirupati Lok Sabha seat. Now, many are trying to decode Chandrababu’s enigmatic decision in Tirupati.