Varma challenging Pawan Kalyan’s dominance in Pithapuram

In a significant political shift in Andhra Pradesh’s Pithapuram constituency, former Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA S.V.S.N. Varma is asserting his influence, setting the stage for a potential showdown with Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.

Growing tensions between TDP and JSP cadres in the constituency have exposed a rift within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The latest flashpoint emerged during Varma’s recent tour, where he independently engaged with voters, signaling his intent to maintain a stronghold in the region. He even declared that he would not allow land from his constituency to be allocated for Kakinada residents to build houses.

Varma’s supporters claim his influence was a key factor in Pawan Kalyan’s landslide victory as Pithapuram’s MLA in the 2024 Assembly elections. One follower asserted, “It was Varma’s word that got JSP the votes; Pawan wouldn’t be MLA without him.”

A veteran politician, Varma won Pithapuram as an independent in 2014 and later sacrificed his TDP ticket in 2024 to accommodate Pawan Kalyan under the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance. However, he is reportedly disillusioned with JSP’s growing dominance in the constituency. Despite assurances from TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu that he would receive an MLC seat as compensation, the position remains elusive. This has fueled speculation that Varma is consolidating his grassroots support to reassert his relevance.

Challenge to Pawan Kalyan’s influence?

Political analysts suggest Varma is leveraging his deep-rooted local network to counter Pawan Kalyan’s star power and the JSP’s organizational strength. The recent entry of former YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Pendem Dorababu into JSP, reportedly with Pawan Kalyan’s backing, has further irritated Varma’s camp, which sees it as an attempt to sideline him.

“Varma is not just sitting back; he’s mobilizing his loyalists and signaling that he won’t let Pithapuram become a JSP stronghold,” a local observer noted.

Naga Babu’s recent remarks

The tensions have not gone unnoticed at the state level. Pawan’s brother, Naga Babu, recently took a veiled swipe at Varma during JSP’s Foundation Day celebrations, which reportedly pushed Varma to strengthen his faction.

Meanwhile, TDP insiders hint that Chandrababu Naidu may intervene to prevent the conflict from escalating, as any further discord could weaken the NDA coalition ahead of future elections. For now, Varma’s moves indicate a brewing power struggle in Pithapuram, with the former MLA emerging as a potential counterforce to Pawan Kalyan’s growing influence. As both camps dig in, the once-unified constituency that delivered a resounding NDA victory now faces an uncertain political future.