Nara Lokesh has made a stunning comeback in the 2024 elections, securing a record victory in Mangalagiri with a margin of over 90,000 votes after his disappointing defeat in 2019. His active involvement in public administration has solidified his presence in the constituency, making Mangalagiri a stronghold for him.

In contrast, the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YCP) faced setbacks when Alla Ramakrishna Reddy, who had previously won against Lokesh, was unexpectedly sidelined for the 2024 elections. Jagan Mohan Reddy's choice to field the lesser-known Murugudu Lavanya proved disastrous, leading to a re-evaluation of the party's strategy in Mangalagiri.

To counter Lokesh's growing influence, YCP has now appointed Donthireddy Shankar Reddy, also known as Vema Reddy, as the new convenor for the Mangalagiri assembly segment. A loyalist of the YS family, Shankar Reddy has been instrumental in managing local party activities even during Alla Ramakrishna Reddy’s tenure as MLA. His promotion reflects Jagan's trust in his abilities to lead the party in this crucial constituency.

This shift indicates Jagan’s intent to move away from both Lavanya and Ramakrishna Reddy, positioning Shankar Reddy as a fresh contender against Lokesh. However, given Jagan's unpredictable decision-making, there remains a possibility of last-minute changes in strategy. For now, Shankar Reddy has the critical task of challenging Nara Lokesh in the upcoming elections, making the political landscape in Mangalagiri one to watch closely.