HYDERABAD: Senior leader Marri Shashidhar Reddy lambasted TPCC chief saying that it was Uttam Kumar Reddy who was the reason for denial of Sanathnagar ticket to him, alleging conspiracy within TPCC. A shocked Shashidhar Reddy immediately called for a media conference, as soon as he got to know about denial of Sanathnagar seat to him. While Shashidhar Reddy’s name was missing even in the third list released by Congress on Saturday morning, TDP announced Kuna Venkatesh Goud as its candidate for Sanathnagar, minutes after Congress’s list was out.
“All surveys have pointed out that I’m a winning candidate in Sanathnagar. But it is unfortunate that Uttam Kumar Reddy has misrepresented facts to Screening Committee by saying I’ll lose in Sanathnagar. Ticket was denied to me as part of conspiracy. Even TDP has not asked for Sanathnagar,” said Shashidhar Reddy speaking at his constituency office in Begumpet.
“I have never craved for power and posts. Will not even go back to sacrifice for the interests of party. But TDP has not asked for Sanathnagar constituency and Congress is poised to win there. There is no point in denying ticket to me and allotting to TDP, as it will only harm the Grand Alliance,” said the aggrieved leader.
Shashidhar Reddy said that he is in touch with Rahul Gandhi’s office to reverse the decision and dashed off to Delhi on Saturday evening to meet AICC leadership. When asked by media persons, Shashidhar Reddy said that he would not contest from neighbouring Secunderabad and will announce his decision after meeting AICC leadership.Shashidhar Reddy’s father, hugely popular former CM of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh Marri Chenna Reddy represented Sanathnagar in the past.
Taking the reins from his illustrious father, Shashidhar Reddy has represented the segment for three terms. Irrespective of wins and losses he has nursed it. Now denial of Sanathnagar to him as shocked not just his followers in the constituency, but Congress cadres across state.
Shashidhar Reddy has been made chairman of Election Commission Coordination Committee for ensuing polls by AICC and played a key role in highlighting the irregularities in voters lis.