There is strong talk that former minister Avanti Srinivasa Rao, who won twice from Bheemunipatnam, is looking to return to the YSR Congress Party.
Sources say Avanti explored the possibility of joining the alliance side, but the political situation and social equations there were not favourable.
It is also being said that local leaders opposed his entry. In this background, Avanti is believed to have decided to stay where he gets respect and political importance.
Avanti Srinivasa Rao is a strong leader in Visakhapatnam district, both politically and socially.
As the head of major educational institutions, he has financial strength and good influence.
Because of this, party circles say that if he decides to rejoin YSRCP, the leadership is likely to welcome him.
However, the main discussion is about whether he will get the Bheemunipatnam MLA ticket again.
At present, Mazzi Srinivasa Rao, nephew of former minister Botsa Satyanarayana, is the in-charge for the constituency. After he took charge, the party organisation there has reportedly become stronger.
Because of this, there are talks that Avanti may be considered for the Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha seat instead. The Visakhapatnam Parliament segment has a large Kapu population, which could work in his favour.
It is also being said that in the next elections, the ruling alliance may field sitting MP Sribharat from the Telugu Desam Party side.
If Avanti contests against him, the fight is expected to be tough, as both are education institution heads with strong financial backing.
Overall, Avanti Srinivasa Rao’s political future is once again becoming a hot topic in Visakhapatnam politics.
