Months after quitting the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) in Andhra Pradesh and his position as Narasaraopet MP before joining the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu has been fielded from the seat by the Chandrababu Naidu-led party. He will take on P Anil Kumar Yadav of the YSRCP as the constituency votes in the fourth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, along with the rest of the state, on May 13. In an interview with The Indian Express, Devarayalu speaks about his decision to quit, the TDP’s alliance with the Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena Party (JSP) and the BJP, and other issues. Excerpts: You have just quit the YSRCP and have now been fielded by the TDP. Do you think this will affect your prospects? Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu: Not at all. I have always been an accessible person and MP. Yes, the party does play an important role but my supporters will back me irrespective of the party I represent. I am sure a section of my supporters were disappointed that I switched sides but I am also sure that they will not do anything big against me. How is your campaign progressing? Devarayalu: It is going good and I am getting great response from the people. Even during my previous term, I had been very accessible so it is not new for me to go to the people and hear their issues. What are the major issues you have been raising during the campaign? Devarayalu: I am going into this election with three main issues – irrigation water, drinking water and education. My area was drought-hit this time and farmers are suffering due to it. My main priority will be to sort it out. At the same time, drinking water has become a major issue in my constituency. My efforts will be to provide clean drinking water to the people. The YSRCP government has not done much on the education front. For people to get jobs, education is very important. I will strengthen the education infrastructure in my constituency to ensure that every child has access to quality education. Has shifting parties caused you to lose supporters? Devarayalu: As I said, a section of my supporters may be disappointed but they will not do anything major against me. Do you think the alliance with the BJP could wean minority votes away from you? Devarayalu: Firstly, I want to clear the misconception that Muslims do not vote for the BJP. For instance, take Uttar Pradesh. If the Muslims did not vote for the BJP, how did Yogi Adityanath come to power twice? So the notion that Muslims do not vote for the BJP is wrong. Secondly, minorities in Andhra Pradesh have understood the YSRCP’s bluff. Before coming to power, they promised a lot of things but did nothing for the minorities. The alliance with the BJP and JSP will only strengthen the party.
