VIJAYAWADA: In contrast to the nine MLC (Local Body) elections, of which the ruling party Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had won all, the election of MLCs from Graduate and Teachers constituencies saw the candidates backed by the Opposition YSRC wresting three seats while the remaining two each went to candidates backed by TDP-BJP and left parties.
MLC Teachers constituency of Rayalaseema East (Prakasam-Nellore-Chittoor) was retained by V Balasubramanyam of PDF, which was supported by YSRC. He had trounced TDP supported candidate Vasudeva Naidu by 3,545 votes (both first and second preference votes).
MLC Teachers constituency of Rayalaseema West (Kadapa-Kurnool-Anantapur) was won by Katti Narasimha Reddy, who was supported by Left parties. He defeated his nearest rival O Srinivas Reddy, supported by BJP by 3,061 votes. Sitting MLC B Pullaiah supported by TDP came third.
MLC Graduate constituency of Rayalaseema West (Kadapa-Kurnool-Anantapur) was bagged by Vennapoosa Gopal Reddy of YSRC. He defeated his nearest rival KJ Reddy of TDP by 12,567 votes. The sitting MLC M Geyanand stood third.
MLC Graduate constituency of Rayalaseema East (Prakasam-Nellore-Chittoor) was bagged by Yandapalli Srinivasulu Reddy of PDF supported by YSRC. He defeated his nearest Rival Vemireddy Pattabi Reddy of TDP by 4,559 votes.
However MLC Graduate constituency of North Andhra (Srikakulam-Vizianagaram- Visakhapatnam) was bagged by BJP candidate by PVN Madhav. He defeated his nearest rival Aja Sharma Avadhanulu of PDF by 9,215 votes.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had expressed his happiness over the PVN Madhav's victory in North Andhra MLC election and said it stands testimony to coordination between TDP and BJP. He wanted the same spirit to continue and strive for victory in ensuing elections for Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation.
On the other hand, YSRC party activists in Rayalaseema, particularly in Anantapur broke out in celebrations after the party’s victory. Opposition MLAs Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, RK Roja and others were seen in the Assembly lobbies congratulating their chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy for the victory.