The Atmakur segment in Nellore district is a politically sensitive constituency with a potential to influence elections in entire district. In 2014 polls, Mekapati Gowtham Reddy won from Atmakur on YSR Congress Party ticket over Congress nominee Anam Ramanarayana Reddy and TDP leader Kanna Babu.
The political scene dramatically changed in the segment with several leaders shifting loyalties. TDP is also bringing in industrialist Bollineni Krishnaiah this time. Though the ‘kamma’ community is strongly present, it is not solely the deciding factor. With this, TDP is planning to get support from every possible corner so as to defeat YCP in Atkamur in 2019.
At such a crucial time, TDP had the good fortune of welcoming Zilla Parishad Chairman and YCP leader Bommireddy Raghavendra Reddy into its fold. He was unhappy with Jaganmohan Reddy following denial of party Venkatagiri ticket which is being allotted to Anam Ramanarayana Reddy.
Bommireddy’s entry into TDP is being considered a timely boost to the party’s winning chances. Bommireddy Raghavendra Reddy hails from a strong political family in the segment and his father Sundararami Reddy was a 3-time MLA from Atmakur in the past. Seeing their family’s strength, CM Chandrababu Naidu has asked Raghavendra Reddy to fully concentrate on getting victory for TDP nominee in coming elections.
In addition to this, Naidu is also asking party leaders to get support from Kommi Lakshmaiah Naidu who also has considerable following in the segment. All these developments are now giving sleepless nights to YCP leaders because a setback in Atmakur will mean a big blow to the party in entire Nellore district.