HYDERABAD: Till a fortnight back, this young man was an active member of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s youth wing, Bharatiya Yuva Morcha. But infighting within the party over selection of candidate to the Barkatpura division forced him to part ways with the party and join the rival Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
Now, he is locking horns with his old friend and former corporator of BJP, Venkat Reddy. A keen contest is on the cards as the friends fight it out to gain the confidence of the electorate.
Donning a yellow ‘kanduva’ on his shoulders, 32-year-old A Krishna Reddy, was introduced by his supporters as the TDP candidate for Barkatpura division to every household. Claiming to be a ‘local’ who is aware of all issues, Krishna Reddy plans to make this election a launch-pad for mainstream politics. “Namaste madam, I am the TDP candidate Krishna Reddy. I request you to vote for the cycle,” he appeals. As expected, locals complain about long-pending issues and rest only after extracting an assurance from him about solutions to all their problems.
“None of the streetlights are functioning.
As a result the streets plunges into darkness the moment the sun sets. I want you to attend to such issues sincerely throughout your term. Only then shall we vote for you,” Ch Sujatha, a resident of Barkatpura tells the TDP contestant.
“Overflowing drainage is a big menace. The stench is unbearable and it is also leading to health problems. Despite several complaints, the problem has not been corrected,” a housewife, K Bhanumathi, complains to Expresso.
The TDP candidate has come up with a 12-point agenda, which includes replacing the existing drainage system, which dates back to Nizam period.
He also promises to improve the drinking water supply. “Construction of a wall at Ratna Nagar slum, which easily gets inundated during rainy season is my priority.
Even if I fail to win the election, I will make sure this specific work is done by taking up agitations,” Krishna Reddy said. The aspiring corporator is the younger brother of TDP’s legislator from Kodangal in Mahaboobnagar district, A Revanth Reddy.
While this pocket is traditionally considered a BJP stronghold, Krishna Reddy seems to be making some leeway.
He also expects that his LLB degree will fetch him votes from the nearly 2,000 advocates residing in the locality.
srinath.v@expressbuzz.com