"I earned my wealth through straightforward means. Why should I be ashamed to reveal it?" This is the question posed by Dr Pemmasani Chandrasekaran.
Pemmasani Chandrasekharan is the TDP candidate for the Guntur constituency. According to the information provided to the Election Commission, he has assets worth Rs 5,598.65 crore. However, this wealth isn't prominently displayed in his campaign. He conducts his tour in an open vehicle despite the sweltering heat in Guntur.
When asked about his reasons for entering politics, Pemmasani smiled after wiping the sweat. "If the governance system was right, people like me wouldn't have to enter politics."
Won't ordinary people be reluctant to approach you when you have the image of a wealthy person?
I was once an ordinary person. Hard work has brought me this far. Nothing was earned illegally, no black money in hand. If I win, many people will understand that one can enter the election arena without concealing their assets.
What is the main problem in Andhra?
Unemployment. Young people are unhappy. My first objective after winning is to create employment opportunities. I'll attract software companies and research institutes to the capital, Amaravati. Hospitals will be established to provide quality services to patients.
What changes can we expect in Guntur?
Within five years, I'll create one lakh employment opportunities for the youth of the constituency. Six schools will be established using our funds. Priority will be given to the empowerment of Muslim women in the constituency. We'll utilize our funds to train women for skill development, creating self-employment opportunities. We'll allocate 10 crores to help aspiring youths start start-ups.
Pemmasani Chandrasekhar is a doctor in America. He became super-rich with his venture, the education app U World Click. His wife, Koneru Sriratna, also has business ventures. The couple jointly owns shares in 101 companies worldwide.
After completing his MBBS degree from Doctor NTR University of Health Sciences in 1999, he completed his MD in Medicine in 2005 from Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA. Chandrasekhar's main opponent is Kilari Venkata Rosaiah of YSRCP who was the Ponnoor MLA.