Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, affiliated with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), is a prominent political figure from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. He is notably a first-time Member of Parliament (MP) and recently became a cabinet minister after winning the Guntur Lok Sabha seat by a significant margin of 344,695 votes in the 2024 elections. His victory is particularly remarkable given Guntur’s competitive political landscape, traditionally dominated by the YSR Congress Party.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Chandra Sekhar hails from Burripalem in the Tenali mandal of Guntur district. He comes from an agrarian family; his father, Sambasiva Rao, transitioned to the hospitality industry before entering politics with the TDP.
In terms of education, Dr. Sekhar obtained his MBBS degree from Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, Andhra Pradesh, in 1999. He later pursued an MD in Internal Medicine from Geisinger Medical Centre in Danville, Pennsylvania, in 2005. His medical background significantly shapes his perspective on health and welfare issues within his political agenda.
Professional Career
Before entering politics, Dr. Sekhar had a successful career as a medical doctor and businessman. His financial disclosures show that he and his wife, Dr. Sriratna Koneru, possess substantial wealth, with total assets valued at approximately ₹5,785 crore (around $700 million). This includes movable and immovable assets along with significant business interests His financial acumen and medical expertise likely contributed to his political rise and appeal among constituents.
Political Career
Dr. Sekhar entered politics relatively recently, capitalizing on his success in the medical field and his family’s political legacy. His election victory is seen as a shift in the political dynamics of Guntur, emphasizing TDP’s ongoing relevance in the region despite challenges from rival parties
Personal Life
Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar is married to Dr. Sriratna Koneru, and they have two children. Their family’s wealth and his background in medicine enhance his public profile and may influence his political priorities, particularly in health and community welfare.