Y.S. Sharmila, YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s sister, on Wednesday promised support to Uppala Ramprasad, the party’s key aspirant from Pedana Assembly segment in Krishna district. The YSRCP had replaced Mr. Ramaprasad with Jogi Ramesh as the candidate from Pedana.
Addressing a gathering here, Ms. Sharmila announced that Mr. Ramprasad would work for the victory for the YSRCP in the elections. It is learnt that Mr. Ramprasad had reportedly threatened to file nomination as an independent candidate from Pedana.
Having played an instrumental role in strengthening the party since 2014 in the absence of Mr. Ramesh in the Pedana constituency, Mr. Ramprasad was ready to enter the fray as a rebel, pinning hopes on his strong vote bank.
Sensing that Mr. Ramprasad’s entry into the poll fray would lead to the defeat of the official candidate, the YSRCP leadership swung into action and convinced him to withdraw the idea of contesting as an independent.
On Wednesday, Ms. Sharmila, who received an overwhelming response from the YSRCP supporters, who thronged from across the constituency, utilised the election meeting to console Mr. Ramaprasad. It may be recalled that the two groups of Mr. Ramaprasad and Mr. Ramesh were involved in a clash in 2018, leading to tension in the textile town of Pedana.
Ironically, Mr. Ramprasad had witnessed the public meeting from the guests’ gallery citing his poor health condition to accompany Ms. Sharmila on the campaign vehicle.
