Clash of titans in Gudivada

Vijayawada: The fight between Gudivada MLA Kodali Venkateswara Rao alias Nani and Telugu Yuvatha State president Devineni Avinash is drawing the attention of state politics. Former minister Devineni Rajasekhar (Nehru)'s son Avinash entered the Gudivada constituency just one month before the election schedule to fight against strong contender and YSRCP MLA candidate Nani.

The TDP has also taken the victory in the constituency prestigious. But Kodali Nani has already emerged as a strong leader with three consecutive victories. Though the situation is tough, Avinash is working hard with his father's legacy.

TDP founder the late NT Rama Rao was elected for the first time when the party was established in 1983. Later, he was also elected second time in 1985. The rank and file of the TDP feel that the Gudivada constituency is home town to them. Interestingly, the TDP won six times in the constituency since 1978. Present YSR Congress MLA Kodali Nani was also elected twice from TDP in 2004 and 2009 elections. But he joined YSRCP after his second time in the office. Hence, the rank and file of TDP is angry about Nani.

The TDP made efforts to defeat him in the last election but it could not succeed. Former MLA Raavi Venkateswara Rao could not get victory though his father Raavi Shobanadri Chowdary has strong family record in the town. On the other hand, former ZP chairman the late Pinnamaneni Koteswara Rao's son and former minister Pinannamaneni Venkateswara Rao also joined TDP during the last elections. Despite all these Kodali Nani defeated the TDP candidate Raavi Venkateswara Rao though he got support from Pinnamaneni family.

In this backdrop, the TDP selected young Devineni Avinash this time. He is trying to continue the legacy of his father and former minister Devineni Nehru after the latter's demise. He shifted from Vijayawada to Gudivada just one month before the election schedule announcement. He bought a house in Gudivada town to create confidence among locals about his nativity. Besides, he has advantage as he can mingle with different groups and people of different ages with his attitude. He also attracts the youth along with his father's legacy.

Likewise, he can challenge the money and muscle power of Kodali Nani. At one stage, the TDP leaders believed that Nani is stronger compared to Avinash. In the last week, Avinash has overcome the situation proving his local support with a huge rally to file nomination on Thursday. The large number of people present during filing of nomination by Avinash compared with Kodali Nani's nomination is less. Hence, the speculations are rife in political circles across the state on final results.

In fact, Kodali Nani has strong support in various sections of people. He usually donates money to charity activities in the constituency with his philanthropic attitude. But the TDP leaders say Pinnamaneni Venkateswara Rao family has strong followers in Gudlavalleru and Nandiwada areas in the constituency. If Pinnamaneni Venkateswara Rao and his cousin Pinnamaneni Babji extend cooperation fully to Avinash, he may be very near to victory. Moreover, Kapus and BCs are supporters to TDP in the constituency.