ADILABAD: For the first time, Khanapur, the largest of the ten constituencies of the erstwhile Adilabad district, is set to witness a tough three-way contest on December 7 Assembly elections. The constituency, which is home to the famous tribal shrine of Nagoba temple, located in Keslapur of Indervelli mandal, will see former MLA of TRS party Rekha Naik, Congress’ former MP Rathod Ramesh and BJP candidate Satla Ashok vying for the coveted seat.
With residents of the constituency raising many issues related to the tribal development, it remains to be seen who among the three main candidates will be able to convince the people to vote in their favour. One of the much talked about issue is that of the establishment of tribal universities.
Under State Reorganisation Act, the Union government announced plans to establish two tribal universities — one each in Utnoor, Telangana and Paderu in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh.
During 2014 elections, TRS leader Rekha Naik promised to get tribal university established in Utnoor but it was shifted to Bhupalpally district. The local youth and the Adivasi organisations staged several agitations but to no avail.
The other main issues are related to Kaddem and Sadarmatt projects, the works of which are still in progress.
A Srinivas, a resident of Khanapur mandal, said that increase in height of Kaddem project will benefit the farmers of the locality in paddy cultivation.
There is also the ongoing differences between Adivasis and Lambadas which may play a key in the outcome of the elections. BJP’s Sattla Ashok is an Adivasi and the TRS and Congress candidates are Lambadas.
Khanapur stats
Since its formation in 1978, Khanapur has seen winners from several folds
No. of times TDP has won: 4
No. of times Cong has won: 3
No. of times TRS has won: 2
No. of Independent winners: 1