In his electoral debut, YS Avinash Reddy is contesting from the prestigious Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency. Avinash says that his experience of holding various party positions and taking up agitations for solving people’s problems will help him get the people’s mandate. In a candid interview with Express, he speaks about how he would taste success in his political debut thanks to the support that the YSR family enjoys in the region.
You are contesting from the Kadapa LS constituency. Tell us your experience in politics and about your prospects of winning?
I have been in politics since 2000. I was the incharge of Lingala mandal in Pulivendula (when the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy was in the alive). Since the past couple of years, I have taken up tours in the the district and got a hang of the problems in the region. I took up agitations for irrigation water to farmers. I also took up a padayatra for release of water to KC Canal ayacut from Duvvur to Kadapa and also for supply of water to Pulivendula branch canal from Pulivendula to Anantapur. Similarly, I fought for input subsidy and crop insurance to farmers. Presently, I am the convenor of YSRC district youth wing. This experience will come handy for me. Not only me, the candidates in all the seven Assembly segments in my constituency will win as the support to the YS Rajasekarha Reddy family has not waned even a bit.
What are the welfare measures that you will take up if you are elected to Parliament?
I will develop the constituency in all aspects. I will work to complete the works on Kundu-Penna flood flow canal to quench the thirst of the people of Proddutur and also will solve the water problem of Kadapa by diverting Somasila back waters. Another important thing on my agenda is completion of Brahmani steel factory. Similarly, I will work for completing the works on the Nandyal-Errakuntla and Kadapa-Bangalore railway line. I will strive for the implementation of the manifesto of my party.
It is said that your uncle (YS Vivekananda Reddy) is unhappy that you have been chosen for the Kadapa MP seat by the party? Is that right?
This is false propaganda. Some vested interests are trying to create a divide among our family members. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has given me the ticket only after discussing my candidature with all the family members including Vivekananda Reddy. Infact, Vivekananda Reddy personally came along with me when I filed my nomination. He is working as the district election incharge and is striving for my victory.
TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu alleges that the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy did not develop the district but looted it and is also claiming to develop entire Seemandhra as Swarnandhra. What are your comments on this?
People should not believe in Naidu’s propaganda who ruled the state for nine years but did nothing for the people. For the State to develop, Jagan becoming the CM is the only solution. Jagan, if voted to power, will sign five documents which will change the history of the state. On Naidu’s allegations against YSR, they are politically motivated. In his five-year tenure, people of all sections were very happy. That is why they voted him to power again.
What is your development agenda for Kadapa town?
I will complete the stalled works on underground drainage system and provide hygienic conditions in the town. For solving water problem, I will try to get Somasila back waters. The APIIC had acquired 6,600 acre of land for industrial development at Kopparthy in Valluru and I will ensure that industries come up at the proposed site.
The TDP has lodged a complaint with the EC that you are threatening people to ensure that polling takes place in an unilateral way. What you have to say about this?
We have never resorted to illegal methods in elections. The TDP leaders, who are not in a position to face us, are making such allegations. In fact, it was in the last by-elections that the TDP and Congress joined hands and resorted to malpractice but the people gave their mandate to YSR’s family.