Youth groups are gathering in Peddapuram in the East Godavari region of coastal Andhra. A crowd is forming at the intersection in Sanwarlakota at 5:00 p.m., surrounded by heavy police presence. By 8:00 p.m., thousands are present, with the arrival of film star and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan at 8:15 p.m. sparking excitement among the youths, who climb on rooftops and pillars in an attempt to break barricades to greet him.
The energetic atmosphere of the election meeting lasts until 10:00 p.m., as people continue to flock to see the southern superstar, who faces a tough political challenge this time. Opposition party leaders express surprise, claiming that the youths attend to see film stars rather than to support them politically.
They point out that despite Pawan Kalyan contesting elections since 2014, he has yet to win. The NDA is encouraged by the large crowds at Pawan's election rallies, but Pawan himself is cautious. During the Sanwarlakota meeting, when a young man displayed enthusiasm by removing his shirt and throwing it in the air, Pawan urged the crowd to show the same enthusiasm at the polling booths, stating his struggle in politics and the need for their support.
Jana Sena has nominated engineer and businessman Uday Srinivas Tangela in Kakinada, while the ruling YSRCP has chosen Chalamalasetty Sunil, formerly of the TDP. The Congress has added to the competition by fielding former Union Minister MM Pallam Raju. The Kapu community, to which Pawan Kalyan belongs, holds significant sway in the region, influencing the candidate selection by rival parties based on caste considerations. Inflation, unemployment, and issues with poor-quality liquor are also key concerns for voters in the area.
