As the election temperatures are heating up in Andhra Pradesh, major political parties are hardly concentrating on their prospects in seats reserved for SCs and STs. More than 20 per cent of total seats, i.e 36 seats are reserved seats in the state. While 29 of them are reserved for SCs, 7 are reserved for STs.
In the 2019 elections, TDP fared very badly in these constituencies and YSRCP practically swept these seats. Two won only two SC reserved seats and all the remaining 34 seats were won by YCP. But, this time, a latest survey conducted by Hyderabad-based poll research agency, Peoples Pulse survey indicates a completely changed environment in these seats.
TDP and its allies Jana Sena and BJP are likely to win 21 of these seats, leaving only 15 seats for YCP. This survey states that among 29 SC reserved seats, YCP vote share will be 42.83 percent and TDP, Jana Sena and BJP vote share will be 51.81 percent. It projected that YCP may win in 10 seats and TDP and its alloys may win in 19 seats.
However, in ST reserved seats, YCP vote share will be 48.16 percent and NDA vote share will be 46.49 percent. But seats-wise, YCP may win in 5 seats and TDP allies in 2 seats.
Though these seats are reserved for SCs and STs, politically other castes dominate. They are Reddys in 6, Kammas in 6, Kapus in 6 and OBCs in 8 seats are enjoying political dominance. According to Dileep Reddy of Peoples Pulse, though YCP is found comfortable to some extent in ST reserved seats, it is facing rough weather in SC reserved seats.
Mostly, educated SCs are discontent with the YCP government. Diversion of SC sub plan funds, unemployment and improper release of SC Component funds are major reasons for their discontent.
