Head or tail, Dharmana family stands to gain

By VV Balakrishna - NARSANNAPET ( SRIKAKULAM )

10th June 2012 08:33 AM


Until a few days ago everyone had been betting only on the YSR Congress with a majority of voters predicting a one-sided match. But things have started changing gradually in the last few days. The Congress and even the Telugu Desam are gaining confidence day by day. The once-perceived one-sided match has now turned into a three-cornered contest in Narsannapet, which is 20 km away from its district headquarters town of Srikakulam.

Two Dharmana brothers are taking on the Telugu Desam to retain their family hold over the Assembly constituency. Dharmana Krishna Das, brother of minister Prasada Rao, had resigned as a Congress MLA and is seeking re-election on YSRCP ticket. His brother Ram Das is contesting the seat on Congress ticket. The minister, who is the third brother, is trying his best to defeat one brother and see that another (Ram Das) wins. For the brothers politics is thicker than blood. If the Congress candidate loses, it will prove costly for the minister as his stock will go down in the ruling party. Prasada Rao is a senior minister in the Kiran Kumar Reddy cabinet.

The TDP has lost the two previous elections here and can now bank on some anti-incumbency mood among the electorate. Party chief Chandrababu Naidu’s recent visits enthused the voters and filled the party cadre with new hope. “The Congress and the TDP have gained the lost ground in the last one week. Now, there is a real fight among the three parties,” says Lakshmi. She, however, declares that she will vote for the YSRCP whose candidate  Krishna Das has earned the goodwill of the people. “He is a man of the masses and is known for his helping nature,” says Sankar, a graduate from Devadi village.

The people of the constituency still cherish the memories of YS Rajasekhara Reddy and his governance. “All parties are putting up a spirited fight. We cannot say who will win this time. Yet, we will vote for YSRCP,” Kali, a middle- aged woman labourer, says. She has a reason for her resolve.

Her parents were sanctioned old-age pension and the family was allotted a house in the Indiramma Housing Colony during the YSR regime. “We had submitted several applications during TDP rule but to no avail. We are indebted to YS Rajasekhara Reddy and we will vote for the YSRCP,” Kali explains. But she doubts whether YSRCP can garner all the votes. “Buddi (liquor bottle) and Dabbu (money) will tilt the balance in the last minute,” she apprehends. But Sarojinamma, another voter, displays no such pessimism or fears. She strongly feels that the Jagan’s party will coast to victory. “Valla Nayana padayatrato kottuku vacchadu. Eeyana jailu nunchi kottuku vastadu (Rajasekhara Reddy won because of his padayatra. His son will sweep the polls because of his arrest), she said with a lot of confidence.

Striking a different tone, Sambasiva Rao, a Congress supporter, says: “I am a Congress worker. I had initially wanted to vote for the YSRCP but changed my mind. Victory of Jagan candidates will lead to political uncertainty and the government may fall. There are just two years for general elections. Till then the Congress government should survive because people will benefit from a stable government.”

Surprisingly, a majority of women voters are still favourable to the TDP notwithstanding the magic Jagan’s mother Vijayamma and sister Sharmila created during their election campaigning. The crowds were enchanted and mesmerised by the duo, especially Sharmila.

Veteran actress Kavita, who campaigned for the TDP, also pulled large crowds in an area inhabited by people who come easily under the spell of film glamour.

All said, women voters are divided among the TDP, Congress and YSRCP. “All are coming to us. And all of them are pulling heavy crowds. Liquor and money are also playing their part. We cannot say what the outcome will be,” says Satish, an unemployed youth.