HYDERABAD: Acting quick on their feet, both Congress and Telugu Desam Party on Wednesday announced their second list of candidates, with 10 and two names respectively. The names were released after an extensive vetting process since both parties have had to contest with dissent within them over the allocation of seats and allotment of tickets. While Congress announced its second list in the morning, after hectic parleys in Delhi, TDP announced list with two candidates in the night. As Monday is the last day for filing nominations, even the third lists of Congress and TDP are likely to be released on Thursday.
While firebrand P Vishnuvardhan Reddy has been given Jubilee Hills constituency, chief spokesperson Dasoju Shravan, who rose to fame within the party by translating Rahul Gandhi’s speeches, was given Khairatabad constituency. Senior leaders Ponnala Lakshmaiah and Marri Shashidhar Reddy got a raw deal even in the second list, giving credence to the speculation that TJS chief Kodandaram might contest from Jangaon constituency, which was represented by Ponnala in the past.
In the TDP second list, Sama Ranga Reddy has been given Ibrahimpatnam constituency while Ganesh Gupta has been roped in for Rajendranagar constituency. Sama Ranga Reddy himself expressed displeasure over being given Ibrahimpatnam. He said that he had asked for LB Nagar instead. He had rushed to Amaravati to discuss with issue with TDP chief Chandrababu.Senior leader Gandra Venkat Ramana Reddy has been given Bhupalpalle, where he has contested in the past as well.
TJS sings a different tune, adds to chaos
At a time when Grand Alliance seat sharing appeared to be reaching conclusion, Telangana Jana Samithi added to the chaos saying that it will contest in 12 seats and discussions were still going on with Congress over some more constituencies. According to TJS leaders, Dubbak, Medak, Siddipet, Amberpet, Malkajgiri, Wardannapet, Miryalguda, Station Ghanpur, Asifabad, Mahabubnagar, Jangaon, Warangal East are the constituencies where the party will contest. TJS leaders have created confusion among Grand Alliance cadres, as it was announced earlier by Congress Telangana in-charge RC Khuntia that TJS would be given 8 seats and that TJS leaders had even agreed to it. TJS staking claim to more than 12 seats now comes as the shocker to everyone.
Sravan: Student leader to candidate
Hyderabad: TPCC chief spokesperson Dasoju Sravan, who rose within the party by translating speeches of Rahul Gandhi has been chosen as the candidate for Khairatabad constituency. Sixty-three-year-old Sravan holds a PhD in organisational psychology and began his political career as OU student leader. He came into prominence when star-turned-politician Chiranjeevi launched Praja Rajyam Party. Sravan emerged as the close aide of Chiranjeevi and Pawan Kalyan. After unsuccessfully contesting on Prajarajyam ticket from Secunderabad LS seat in 2009, he took the active part in Telangana movement. He later joined the Telangana Rashtra Samithi but later quit to join Congress. He quickly rose to prominence in Congress as a student later and when he translated Rahul Gandhi’s speeches in public meetings.
Vikramarka takes a dig at KCR family
Hyderabad: TPCC campaign committee chief Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said that TRS leader KT Rama Rao’s mind had become blank as Grand Alliance was getting a huge response from the people. Vikramarka predicted a clear victory for the Alliance with 70 to 80 seats. “As the announcement of candidates has reached a final stage in the Grand Alliance, the campaign will pick up pace from Thursday. Ten public meetings will be held as part of our campaign. While Rahul Gandhi will attend these public meetings, Sonia Gandhi will attend one public meeting,” said Bhatti Vikramarka speaking at Gandhi Bhavan.
Revanth challenges TRS to stop defection
Hyderabad: TPCC working president A Revanth Reddy sprang a surprise on Wednesday, saying that two TRS MPs were ready to join Congress soon and challenged KCR to stop them. “Two MPs from TRS will join Congress soon. I challenge KCR to stop them,” said Revanth campaigning Kodangal, in his constituency. “KCR is sending a pack of wolves to Kodangal. But a high tension wire is safeguarding Kodangal people in the form of Revanth Reddy. KCR’s wolf pack cannot do anything to people here,” said Revanth.