Srikakulam: In a significant political development in Andhra Pradesh, former MLA Gunda Lakshmi Devi has joined the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) after spending nearly four decades with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). She joined the party in the presence of YSRCP president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, along with her key supporters.
Former Deputy Chief Minister Dharmana Krishna Das, former minister Dharmana Prasada Rao and other senior YSRCP leaders attended the joining ceremony.
Why Gunda Lakshmi Devi Left TDP
Explaining the reasons for her decision, Gunda Lakshmi Devi alleged that the humiliation faced by her husband, former minister Gunda Appala Suryanarayana, and the alleged obstacles to installing his statue contributed to the family’s decision to leave the TDP. She also accused the party leadership of neglecting their family.
Lakshmi Devi said that they had repeatedly brought their concerns to the attention of TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and party general secretary Nara Lokesh. However, she claimed that their issues remained unresolved, leading to growing dissatisfaction within the family.
Gunda Family’s Political Background in Srikakulam
Gunda Appala Suryanarayana has a long political history in Srikakulam. He won the Assembly elections from the Srikakulam constituency in 1985, 1989, 1994 and 1999. He also served as a minister in the cabinet of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao.
In 2014, his wife, Gunda Lakshmi Devi, won the Srikakulam Assembly seat as a TDP candidate. However, she lost the election in 2019. The family’s dissatisfaction with the party reportedly increased after Lakshmi Devi was denied a ticket in the 2024 Assembly elections.
Impact of Gunda Lakshmi Devi’s Entry into YSRCP
Gunda Lakshmi Devi’s decision to join YSRCP could influence the political dynamics in Srikakulam district. Her political experience, local support base and the influence of the Gunda family may prove significant for the opposition party.
Political observers are also discussing the possibility of closer coordination between the groups led by Dharmana Prasada Rao and Gunda Lakshmi Devi. If the two groups work together effectively, YSRCP could strengthen its position in Srikakulam.
The political impact of this development, particularly on upcoming local body elections and district-level political equations, remains to be seen.
