Following a significant success in the Telangana Assembly elections, wresting power from arch-rival BRS, the Congress is redirecting its focus towards Andhra Pradesh. The ruling YSRCP, led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, poses as the primary adversary for Congress in AP. While winning seats might be challenging, Congress aims to boost its vote percentage, diminishing the lingering negative sentiments stemming from the state bifurcation. The party is contemplating forging alliances and strategic moves to gradually regain ground in the state.
With an eye on the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, more than the Assembly polls, Congress is strategizing intensely. Key leaders including Rahul Gandhi, party president Mallikarjuna Kharge, general secretary KC Venugopal, and state in charge Manickam Tagore will convene with state leaders to chart out the party’s approach and readiness for the impending polls. The discussion will
center around devising strategies and evaluating the preparedness of state leaders. Congress might leverage support from its Telangana CM Revanth Reddy for campaigning in Andhra Pradesh during the Lok Sabha elections.
Speculations suggest that Congress may extend support to the TDP in AP, as the TDP reportedly backed Congress in the recent Telangana elections. Moreover, TDP is allied with Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena, currently in the NDA. Notably, rumors hint at Congress considering YS Sharmila to take charge in the state.
The Congress’s recent win in the Karnataka state Assembly signifies a gradual consolidation of strength and a burgeoning presence in South India. The pivotal question lies in whether Congress can carve its niche in AP, reminiscent of its crucial role during the YSR regime. The unfolding developments make Congress’s future moves in AP an intriguing narrative to watch.