With just a few weeks left before the assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, YSR Congress party president and chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is intensifying efforts to deliver a psychological blow to his rival, Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu.
As part of this strategy, Jagan is scheduled to visit Kuppam, Naidu's home turf in Chittoor district, on February 26 to launch a series of developmental programs aimed at undermining the TDP chief.
One significant aspect of Jagan's visit is the release of water to Kuppam town from the Handri Neeva Sujala Sravanthi project, a demand long-awaited by the people of Kuppam.
Although the project was initiated in 2007 during the Y S Rajasekhar Reddy government, it failed to materialize during the TDP regime.
The water release will be facilitated through the Punganur branch canal, connecting the Pedda Tippa Samudram reservoir with Kuppam.
The canal linking Kuppam is referred to as the Kuppam branch canal. Despite an allocation of Rs 1700 crore, the project remained stalled after YSR's demise.
Additionally, Jagan is slated to address a massive public gathering in Kuppam as part of the program, with state power minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy overseeing the arrangements.
According to party sources, Jagan's visit to Kuppam aims to set the stage for the YSRCP's endeavor to capture the Kuppam assembly constituency by defeating Chandrababu Naidu. YSRCP's Kuppam in-charge, KJY Bharat, has been diligently working towards realizing Jagan's vision.
Several developmental initiatives have been initiated in Kuppam under Bharat's supervision, ensuring that every household benefits from the welfare schemes implemented by the Jagan government, including pensions, housing schemes, and other social welfare programs.
Furthermore, the chief minister has already announced Kuppam as a revenue division, fulfilling a longstanding demand of the locals.
Recognizing the possibility of losing the seat, Naidu has been extensively touring the constituency, while his wife, Nara Bhuvaneshwari, is also actively engaging with residents to ensure Naidu's electoral success.
