MAHABUBNAGAR: Ever since Telugu Desam MLA Erra Satyam of the constituency was shot dead in 1996, Jadcherla had come to gain unprecedented political value in the State. Hence, it is only fitting that Jadcherla is about to witness a tough tussle between two heavyweight leaders of the TRS and Congress parties — caretaker Health Minister Dr C Laxma Reddy and TPCC vice-president Dr Mallu Ravi.
With the Congress yet to announce the official list of contestants, the head start afforded to TRS seems to have already put them at an advantage. While Dr Laxma Reddy has already completed the first lap of campaigning in the constituency, Congress is lagging behind by a considerable margin. Even though unofficial sources have confirmed that Dr Mallu Ravi is going to contest on behalf of Congress in Jadcherla, delay in official announcement is acting as roadblock in campaigning.
Additionally, the campaigning strategy adopted by Mallu Ravi has been facing criticisms from his benefactors. Though he is an experienced politician with a good rapport with the ‘higher-ups’, including AICC chief Rahul Gandhi, rumours claim that Congress is considering the possibility of giving the ticket to a younger entrant, reportedly a Reddy. Rumours claim that the priority afforded to the youth comes from his ‘Reddy’ surname. It may also be mentioned here that Mallu Ravi belongs to the SC category. Meanwhile, TRS candidate Dr Laxma Reddy has already succeeded in baiting and attracting a number of Congress leaders and cadre towards TRS party.