After scoring a hat-trick from the Gudivada Assembly constituency, Kodali Srivenkateswara Rao (Nani) says the constituency is no more the Telugu Desam party’s bastion, and that it has been taken over by YSRC.
Mr. Rao defeated TDP candidate Raavi Venkateswara Rao by a margin of over 11,500 votes. While Mr. Rao polled 80,812 votes, TDP candidate Raavi Venkateswara Rao bagged 69,239 votes.
This is the third time in a row Mr. Rao has won from the constituency after making his debut on TDP ticket in 2004. He switched loyalties to the YSRC after the 2004 elections and successfully contested twice on the party ticket in 2009 and 2014.
“Many people, including those living abroad, have a false notion that Gudivada is the TDP’s bastion. The YSRC has taken over the constituency and will continue its good show for the next 30 years as well,” said Mr. Rao here on Saturday.
On the possibilities of returning to the TDP, he said: “I have joined the YSRC due to personal reasons and was not aspiring for any posts or ministerial berths. I will continue to serve the YSRC.”
However, he was worried about the prospects of getting funds and projects for the development of the constituency. “I am worried that the TDP, out of grudge, will cause inconvenience to people in the constituency by holding up projects and other works,” said Mr. Rao.
