Nestled at the tri-State junction of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, Kuppam was once a symbol of backwardness. Its roads were few and in poor condition, water was scarce, healthcare facilities were inadequate, and educational institutions were almost non-existent. In 1989, when N. Chandrababu Naidu decided to contest from Kuppam as the TDP candidate, it was seen as a political gamble, but the constituency has since become synonymous with his name. Despite facing allegations of neglecting Kuppam during his tenure as Chief Minister, Naidu has maintained a strong hold on the constituency, winning every election since 1989. However, in the upcoming 2024 elections, Naidu faces a tough challenge from the YSR Congress Party, which is hoping to capitalize on the discontent among the people of Kuppam, who feel that they have not benefited from Naidu’s leadership. The YSRCP is promising to deliver development and prosperity to Kuppam, and has pledged to make its candidate K.J.R. Bharath a Cabinet minister if elected. With both Naidu and the YSRCP making grand promises, the 2024 Kuppam election is set to be a fierce battle, with the future of the constituency hanging in the balance.
Naidu’s Kuppam: A Tale of Neglect and Unfulfilled Promises
