KHAMMAM: Businessman-turned-politician Ramasahayam Raghuram Reddy created history in the Khammam constituency by securing a majority of 4,68,337 votes against BRS candidate Nama Nageswara Rao who garnered 2,99,082 votes.
This is the highest margin of victory in Khammam since 1962 elections. In the 2019 elections, BRS candidate Nama Nageswara Rao achieved a majority of 1,68,062 votes, which was the second-highest majority until now. Compared to Assembly elections, the Congress saw an increase in votes during the LS polls. It secured a majority of 2,49,000 votes across the seven Assembly segments, and now it has achieved a total of 4,68,337 votes.
Despite being new to politics and having his candidature announced by the grand old party at the last minute, Reddy achieved an unexpected victory with a thumping majority.
There was intense competition for this seat within the Congress as Deputy Chief Minister Mallubatti Vikramarka’s wife Nandini, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy brother’s Prasada Reddy and Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao son’s Yugandhar vied for the ticket, but the high command picked Raghuram Reddy.
BJP candidate Tandra Vinoda Rao lost his deposit, receiving only 1,18,636 votes. However, when compared to the previous polls, the votes for BJP increased. A total of 12,50,959 votes were cast in this polls.
Until the last moment, it was expected to be a tough fight between the Congress and BRS, but it unexpectedly turned into a one-sided race. From the beginning of the vote count, the Congress candidate showed a clear majority, and after the third round of counting, BRS candidate Nama Nageswara Rao left the counting centre.
Interestingly, Tummala Nageswara Rao visited the Telugu Desam Party office and participated in the TDP’s victory in Andhra Pradesh. This sparked discussion within the Congress. It is also to be recalled that Tummala has long-standing ties with the TDP.
Following the victory of RRR, the grand old party conducted a victory rally in Khammam town where thousands of followers, cadres and leaders participated.