Mangalagiri is one of the keenly observed constituencies in the election as Nara Lokesh is extremely determined to win the seat after conceding defeat to Alla Ramakrishna Reddy(YCP) in 2019. In the first list announcement, it was confirmed that Lokesh is contesting from Mangalagiri again in 2014.
When asked to share his reaction on contesting from Managalagiri again, Lokesh looked extremely confident about changing the fortunes in this election.
“Mangalagiri lo war one side eh” Lokesh said as he said TDP high command and Chandrababu decided to give him the ticket after looking at his hard work. He said there is no need to talk about YSR Congress in Mangalagiri or even in Andhra Pradesh as this party is a closed chapter.
About Jagan’s allegation that Chandrababu and Lokesh are non-locals as they don’t have a house here and have their voter card also in Hyderabad, Lokesh put an end to this notion. “I have my house here and my voter card is also here. I will win from Mangalagiri regardless of any of the political equations.” Lokesh’s confidence has energized TDP’s cadre in Mangalagiri.
YSR Congress announced that they will field a BC woman in Mangalagiri and ex-MLA Alla Ramakrishna Reddy said he will fight in support of YCP candidate to defeat Lokesh again.