Pithapuram MLA seat becomes murkier between Pawan Kalyan, TDP

KAKINADA: Jana Sena Party (JSP) president Pawan Kalyan's comments that he will contest from Kakinada for the Lok Sabha polls if Amit Shah wanted him to, has not got down well with the alliance partner TDP. Pawan Kalyan had earlier stated that he would contest from Pithapuram for the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections.

On Tuesday, Pawan Kalyan nominated Uday Srinivas Tangella as the JSP Lok Sabha candidate from Kakinada but said that he would switch with him in case the Centre wanted to contest the Lok Sabha polls.

The TDP Pithapuram constituency incharge former MLA SVSN Varma did not take this news well and said that in case Pawan Kalyan decided to switch from Assembly to Lok Sabha polls, he would step into the ring and contest as an MLA from Pithapuram.

Also Read: Pawan Kalyan to contest from Pithapuram in Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections

Varma’s supporters created ruckus in Pithapuram and burnt flexis and banners of TDP on March 14, 2024 after Pawan had announced his decision to contest from Pithapuram.

Varma then met Chandrababu Naidu last week and cleared that he would work for the alliance and ensure Pawan Kalyan's victory despite a ticket being denied to him.

Meanwhile, Kakinada MP and YSRCP Pithapuram candidate Vanga Geetha has sharply criticised Pawan Kalyan for asking her to contest as a JSP candidate.

Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday had said that since Vanga Geetha had won on a Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) ticket in 2009, she should contest from JSP, Vanga Geeta responded, "What if I also invited Pawan to YSRCP? I have been in politics before 2009. Chiranjeevi gave me an opportunity in 2009. I have the support of people from all walks of life in the constituency."