The Andhra voters gave a very big victory to YCP in 2019 that it won 22 out of total 25 MP seats in the state. With this, YCP MP Mithun Reddy became a Panel Speaker and also got the first row seat in the Lok Sabha now. The Modi government gave priority to YCP considering the fact that it is next only to BJP, Congress and DMK in terms of MPs strength in the Lower House. The YCP leaders are elated over this distinction but how will it benefit AP is still a big question mark.
The importance of the first row seat is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and important Union Ministers sit in this row. Any views expressed by the first row MPs usually go to the full attention of the top leaders. Even Rahul Gandhi could not get first row seat. He is given second row as Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan got first row on behalf of Congress. Rahul has refused to accept the Leader of Opposition in LS.
Will YCP be able to make use of this distinction to get justice to AP? Analysts say that this is indeed a great opportunity, something that even TRS could not get despite floating Federal Front. This is also an excellent opportunity to give stronger voice to Andhra cause compared to Telangana. BJP may be ignoring Special Status and other demands of reorganisation episode but there is an immediate need to get special funds for completing Polavaram life line project, Andhra Capital City, etc.
