HYDERABAD: Political parties are facing a reversal of fortunes in the Secunderabad Cantonment Board elections as hitherto strong parties are facing various problems while the Telangana Rashtra Samiti, a relatively a new entrant in the SCB election fray, is raring to show its might.
SCB has been a stronghold of the Congress with most of the ward members belonging to it. Among the eight members of the board, which has been dissolved recently, six won with Congress’ support and two with TDP’s.
Former members Jampana Vidyavati (Ward 1), S Keshava Reddy (Ward 2), Jampana Pratap (Ward 3), Banuka Narmada (Ward 6), P Shyam Kumar (Ward 7) and V Jai Prakash (ward 8) won with Congress’ support. P Venkata Rao (Ward 4) and M Anuradha (Ward 5) won with TDP’s support.
While the Congress had absolute majority, the TDP just managed to make its presence felt. Parties such as BJP and TRS did not have much role to play in the past. But in this election it appears like a role reversal for parties with four board members belonging to the Congress deserting the party.
Jampana Pratap, a board member for more than 20 years and former vice-president, along with two other former members, J Vidyavati and B Narmada, joined the TRS. Now, Jai Prakash of the Congress jas joined the TDP.
With four members deserting the Congress, only two, who won on Congress support, are in the fray this time.
The TDP’s position is not much different with one past member joining the TRS and contesting the election. Though the local MLA and MP are from the TDP, the party has not finalised candidates and is lagging behind in campaigning.
While the Congress and TDP are beset with problems, TRS and BJP contestants are raring to go. BJP and TDP leaders are in talks on forming an alliance and the former wants contest three or four wards. With the BJP growing stronger of late, the TDP may accept its demand.
Of all, the TRS seems to have a clear edge. ‘Ruling party’ tag attracts local leaders and aspirants to its fold. Even top leaders of the party are taking interest in SCB elections to prove that the party has a strong following in the city as well. Besides, they view it as a precursor to GHMC elections.
“We will prove wrong our detractors who say that the TRS does not have a following in the city. We will win a majority of wards and even bag the vice-president post,” said G Nagesh, the party’s Cantonment constituency in-charge.