As Andhra Pradesh elections reached a crucial phase, Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy, BJP MP contestant from Rajampet Constituency shared his insights with Surender Kunti, Organiser Bureau Chief -South
How do you look at the Rajampet constituency and your campaign as an MP contestant from BJP with alliance partners TDP and Janasena?
I’ve been in politics since 1989, serving as an MLA for this region and served as Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh. Everyone knows that I was and still I am opposed to state bifurcation since we missed the opportunity for a win-win sharing of all kinds of resources, particularly the Godhavari and Krishna rivers, which are vital to both states. As a legislator, I brought various projects to this region be it irrigation projects, a training center for central security forces, , National Investment and Manufacturing Zones (NIMZs) in Kalikiri, which is expected to employ 30000 people and a marketing system to promote the local agricultural products.
I know that an MP will have a stronger role to play in state-central relations, where he can pressurise or bring concerns to the attention of the Central Government and gain prominence in politics and the government system. It is unfortunate that still none of the MP’s have raised their voice in Parliament regarding the key pending issues linked to state bifurcations.
Rajampet constituency is primarily characterised by its agricultural foundation. However, there’s a pressing need for industrialisation in the area. This demand stems from the significant number of residents who commute to major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad for employment opportunities.
At present, the people of Rajampet constituency, or in fact across the State are looking for change following bitter experiences with the current YSRCP Government whom voters trusted as an alternative to the Telugu Desam Party. But in 5yrs, I think they have come to terms now, realising that an experienced man can take the state forward with a lot of pending issues, like state capital, the Polavaram project, water sharing, and several key issues related to state bifurcation even after 10 yrs. Now people want to correct their mistake by supporting the alliance of BJP, Telugu Desam, and Janasena i.e NDA. They are sensing the need for state and central support to speed up the progress of Andhra Pradesh. We aim to educate the voters of this constituency on what BJP party and its alliance partners can do for the development of Rajampet. We are trying to convince the people here that our motto is service and our motto is to develop the region. The current government under Modi ji is coming up with Vikisit Bharat, which is vibrant with a focus on all around growth of the country is a need of the hour, and we need to strengthen this by participating in elections.
As an experienced politician, how do you assess the current YSRCP government?
YSRCP is like a private limited company. 5 years ago, people wanted to give a chance to Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy and found hope in him, but soon they realized that they had made a mistake. In this period, People witnessed large-scale corruption, illegal mining particularly sand from riverbeds, sandalwood smuggling, and liquor mafia which caused great damage to the environment where the ruling party was interested only in short-term gains, without bothering the future.
Rayalaseems region is known for bitter rivalry and factionist politics mixed with Muscle and money power, however, it seems there is a significant change In today’s times and it is receding, is it only at the surface level or at society?
Well, this factionalism is all about supremacy in all dimensions of society, be it in controlling the political and economic power since the British period. Considering this system, even imperialist British forces never dared to enter this region.
People used to side with faction leaders, due to economic hardships and no resources for sustainable living, just to have a livelihood people were part of this system. Let me give you an example, In the early 1970s, a prominent local leader reached a young IAS officer and appealed to him to restore his gun license, which had been suspended by the British government for 50 years. When the officer asked for the required papers, the leader pointed him to the file, which was conveniently positioned on the top second shelf next to his collector’s chair, such was the system prevailing here. However, in the last 50 years this is receding attributed to multiple factors like education, opportunities, and availability of water resources for agriculture. Considering the economic prosperity of this region, factionalism is receding, based on its progress automatically it will subside at all levels be it on the surface or society. Offering best possible education and sustainable life opportunities for this region is the core element that needs to be adopted to address this issue.
The politics of Andhra Pradesh have become more divisionary day by day, how do you look at the Assembly and Parliament elections 2024?
In our politics, national and regional parties have different ideologies, in which national parties prioritize the growth of the state and the interests of the nation over the interests of any individual. On the other hand, regional parties are more concerned about controlling the power and parties, with the intent to make money and pass it on to the next generations, a vicious cycle that is posing challenge and functioning models like private limited companies, where money plays a greater role and is influential. In Andhra Pradesh too the current elections are no different from this.
The voter’s approach to elections has changed significantly; unlike 30 years before, he is now more aware and individualistic in his voting decisions. Villages used to have strong leaders who steered or controlled politics and politicians, but now they simply operate as poll managers with support. However, urban voters are distancing themselves from voting, whereas rural voters be it illiterate or literate consider voting to be the highest democratic privilege at their disposal and are exercising the same based on their understanding and assessment. The low percentage of voting during elections in urban zones, where people who are presumed to be knowledgeable and independent thinkers is a pressing concern for all of us.
For instance, Andhra has the advantage of a sea coast, while Telangana possesses the capital city with its educational institutions, hospitals, livelihood opportunities, and thriving software industry. When these two regions collaborate, it creates a win-win situation.
One major issue I faced was the challenge of distributing Krishna water between the two states. It’s incredibly difficult to manage and ensure equitable distribution that benefits farmers from both regions.
Looking at agriculture holistically, it’s evident that only when projects like Polavaram and Pranahita are completed, and with thorough scientific analysis, can we realize the benefits that come from a unified state. This necessitates a uniform command to manage rivers and water resources effectively, ensuring timely distribution for maximum agricultural yield and benefit to the poorer sections of society.
