Political Shake-Up: YSRCP MLA MS Babu Joins Congress, Alters Dynamics in Puthalapattu

In a significant development, YSRCP legislator MS Babu, representing Puthalapattu in Chittoor district, has tendered his resignation from the ruling party and crossed over to the Congress. This move comes after his meeting with APCC chief YS Sharmila in Kadapa.

Babu's defection marks the third instance of a legislator leaving the YSRCP fold in Chittoor district just ahead of the 2024 general elections, posing a potential challenge to the ruling party's prospects in the Puthalapattu assembly segment. Previously, the YSRCP ousted Chittoor legislator Arani Sreenivasulu and Satyavedu legislator Koneti Adimoolam for their public criticism of the party leadership, prompting their alignment with NDA alliance parties.

While Sreenivasulu has since joined the Jana Sena and secured a ticket for the Tirupati assembly constituency, Adimoolam has aligned with the Telugu Desam Party and is contesting from Satyavedu. The Congress's decision on fielding MS Babu remains uncertain, as the YSRCP has already nominated former legislator Dr. Suneel Kumar for the upcoming elections.

In addition to the political realignment within the YSRCP, the TDP's nomination of senior journalist Dr. K Murali Mohan for the Puthalapattu (SC) reserved constituency sets the stage for a three-way battle in the upcoming general elections. As dynamics shift, Puthalapattu emerges as a key battleground, with implications for the region's political landscape.