The ruling YSRCP in Mangalagiri Assembly segment is getting completely vacated much before the elections, sending a strong signal that the party will be totally wiped out of the political scene after the polls.

Getting attracted with the call given by TDP general secretary, Nara Lokesh, and reposing faith in the party that the Assembly segment will certainly witness development after the elections under the TDP-Jana Sena rule, the YSRCP leaders from Mangalagiri joined the TDP on Saturday on a large scale in the presence of Mr Lokesh.

Addressing the party leaders later, Lokesh recalled how he got humiliated after his defeat from Mangalagiri in the last elections. “My goal is to emerge victorious with a massive majority where the TDP has no ground,” he said.

Despite being in the Opposition he said he has taken up several developmental works in Mangalagiri and called upon the party leaders and activists to work together for the success of the TDP. “I always respect seniors and encourage those who work hard, and we should work for the victory of the TDP with the maximum possible majority,” Lokesh said.

Though some leaders have suggested that he contest from North Andhra to have a better impact, Lokesh said he preferred Mangalagiri due to his attachment with the segment and the people here. Maintaining that the coming 72 days are very crucial for the party, he wanted all the activists and leaders to work with dedication these 72 days. “Once the TDP is back in power and if I win from Mangalagiri with a massive majority I will take every measure to develop Mangalagiri as a model Assembly segment,” Lokesh observed.

Those who joined the TDP on Saturday in the presence of Lokesh said that they wanted development of their area, and this is possible only with the TDP. They all agreed that they wanted to continue their journey in politics under the able leadership of TDP supremo and former chief minister, Chandrababu Naidu, who is a visionary and under the able guidance of Lokesh.

They recalled how they faced several humiliations while in YSRCP and said that they could not respond to the people’s queries too. Former ZPTC, Yella Jayamma, sarpanch from Pedapalem, Krishna Prasad and several others along with hundreds of their supporters joined the TDP.