The YSR Congress party is gearing up for its third electoral battle in Hindupur constituency, but this time with a new candidate. In the previous two elections, they fielded different candidates to challenge Nandamuri Balakrishna, but were unable to secure victory. In 2014, Naveen Nischal represented the YSR Congress, followed by Iqbal in 2019, both of whom failed to defeat Balakrishna.
In an effort to strengthen their position for the upcoming 2024 election, Iqbal was appointed as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC). However, recent survey reports suggest a challenging road ahead for the party. Now, the YSR Congress has introduced Deepika as their candidate for the forthcoming election, highlighting her BC (Backward Class) status and playing the woman card as factors that would significantly boost her chances.
However, the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) disputes Deepika’s BC status as claimed by the YSR Congress. They argue that she should be considered a Reddy, as per the practice of a woman inheriting her husband’s caste after marriage. Deepika’s parents belong to the Kuruba community, while her husband, Venugopal Reddy, comes from the Reddy community.
The YSR Congress remains confident in the combination of Deepika’s Reddy and BC background, along with the appeal of the women’s card. However, the TDP has a strong track record in this constituency, having won all ten previous elections, with Nandamuri Taraka Ramarao securing three victories and Harikrishna one. Balakrishna, aiming for a hat-trick, has emerged as a formidable contender in the upcoming election.