Senior YSR Congress party leader and Andhra Pradesh finance minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy seems to have become disinterested in the state politics. Instead, he wants to be seen and heard in New Delhi.
Having toured the national capital in the capacity of finance minister to bail out the state from financial crisis, Buggana is learnt to have developed interest in the national politics.
He is evincing interest in becoming a parliament member, rather than being restricted to state politics.
According to sources close to the party, Buggana has spelt out his mind to party president and chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy saying that he would like to contest the next general elections from Nandyal parliamentary seat.
At present, Nandyal Lok Sabha seat is represented by Pocha Brahmananda Reddy on behalf of the YSRC. Earlier, the seat was won twice by industrialist-turned-politician S P Y Reddy.
Buggana represents Dhone assembly constituency which is part of the Nandyal Lok Sabha constituency. He has been winning this seat for the last two terms – 2014 and 2019.
Because of his hard work and good command over the subject, Jagan retained him twice as the finance minister, without dropping him as he had done with others.
The finance minister has been maintaining good relations with the central government, particularly the officials in the Union finance ministry and has been successful in securing funds from the Centre at regular intervals. Because of him, Jagan has been able to get funds for his Navaratna schemes.
While he has good command over the legislative affairs, besides people’s issues, Buggana also maintains good relations with even opposition party leaders. He is known for packing a punch on the political rivals.
So, there is no reason why Jagan should deny him an opportunity to go the national capital as an MP. But it all depends on his requirement in the state and a replacement for him in the assembly.
