Ashish Ranjan
Wednesday, June 28th, Andhra Pradesh-born cricketer Ambati Rayudu made an announcement regarding his entry into politics. The 37-year-old former cricketer, who played his final game for Chennai Super Kings in the finals of the Indian Premier League on May 29, has been touring his native Guntur district.
During his visit to the village of Mutluru in the Vatticherukuru block of the district, Rayudu stated that he intends to enter politics in Andhra Pradesh to service the people. Prior to that, he intends to travel extensively throughout the district to gauge public opinion and comprehend their concerns.
Rayudu declared his intent to comprehend the requirements of the people in the rural areas of Guntur and to determine how he can contribute to meeting those needs.Rayudu was quoted by Hindustan Times as adding, “I will develop a concrete action plan for my political strategy and choose which platform to support.”
In response to rumors that he might seek election to the Lok Sabha in 2024 from either the Guntur or Machilipatnam constituencies, the cricketer denied such claims.
Rayudu had previously visited the Mulankareshwari temple in the village of Aminabad, where he offered special devotion. In Phirangipuram, he also visited the Sai Baba Temple and the Bala Yesu Church. During his visit to the village of Mutlur, Rayudu interacted with local schoolchildren and shared a supper with them. He utilized the opportunity to learn about the obstacles students confront in schools.
While Rayudu has not yet disclosed his political affiliation, his comments on social media have sparked rumors that he may join the YSR Congress, commanded by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. On April 19, Rayudu praised the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh on Twitter for his speech in Naupada, Srikakulam district. He wrote, “Outstanding address by our prime minister, @ysjagan garu. Everyone in the state has full confidence in you, sir.”
Following Chennai Super Kings’ victory in the IPL 2023, Rayudu and CSK management met with the chief minister. He declared,
“Had a productive meeting with the honored Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy garu, Rupa mam, and the CSK management. The development of a world-class sports infrastructure and education for the disadvantaged were discussed. The government is developing a robust program for our state’s students.”
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Rayudu indirectly took aim at N. Chandrababu Naidu, the president of the opposition Telugu Desam Party, by implying that the construction of a building for an information technology company did not constitute authentic development.
Rayudu acknowledged meeting the chief minister prior to his excursion to the Guntur district, but clarified that they had not discussed politics. He emphasized that his choice of platform would not be made until he had visited each and every village in Guntur.
