Former Union Minister D. Purandeswari may return to Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha constituency to contest on the BJP ticket. She and the incumbent MP K. Haribabu are the front-runners for the prestigious Lok Sabha seat. Sources say a decision will be taken by the party leadership.
A State-level screening committee, headed by MLC Somu Veerraju and comprising State president Kanna Lakshminarayana, leaders Sunil Deodhar and V. Muraleedharan, vets the applications and sends the same to the Central leadership. After its approval, the all-important B-Form will be issued by it to the selected leader.
Riding a Modi wave and in alliance with TDP and actor Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena Party, Mr. Haribabu defeated YSRCP then honorary president Y.S. Vijayamma in 2014.
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Though Ms. Purandeswari wanted to contest from Visakhapatnam, the BJP fielded her from Rajampeta in 2014. In 2009, she won from Visakapatnam.
With the party deciding to contest all the Lok Sabha and Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh, it is scouting for nominees. “Waiting till the last minute can’t be ruled out since picking leaders from the other parties is an option,” said a leader from the district.
When it comes to the Assembly, P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, representing Visakhapatnam North, is likely to seek re-election. He may take a call in a day or two, sources close to the MLA say. From the Visakhapatnam East constituency, a prominent businessman may contest. Party sources say he is ready to contest the Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha also. From Visakhapatnam South, former city president P.V. Narayana Rao, and Kasi Viswanathan Raju who had unsuccessfully contested earlier are being considered.
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The party may field businessman G. Balaji from the Visakhapatnam West Assembly seat, while former Mayor Pulusu Janardhana Rao and a doctor are in the race for the Gajuwaka constituency.