HYDERABAD: After much consultations, the TPCC has decided to field P Sanjeev Reddy, son of former MLA late P Kista Reddy for the byelection to Narayankhed assembly segment in Medak district.
The byelection was necessitated with the death of Kista Reddy a few weeks back. The Congress has decided to field Kista Reddy’s son, Sanjeev Reddy, who is now a MPP, for the byelection.
Former Zaheerabad MP Suresh Shetkar, who was keen to enter the fray, wanted the TPCC to give him a chance to contest the byelection. This worried the TPCC as internal differences may hamper the winning chances of the party candidate in the wake of TRS making all out efforts to win the election.
The Congress had asked the opposition parties to make unanimous the byelection of Narayankhed assembly as it had been a tradition that the family members of a deceased elected representative be elected unopposed. The TRS, however, made it clear that it would contest the election and a host of ministers are touring the constituency and pumping funds before the election code comes into force.
The Congress, which wants to reclaim the seat, did not want any groups in the party that might hamper its chances. At a meeting held with AICC state in-charge Digvijaya Singh, the district Congress leaders including DCC president Sunitha Laxma Reddy, Suresh Shetkar, Sanjeev Reddy and others discussed about the election. Digvijaya Singh finally gave his nod for the candidature of Sanjeev Reddy and asked Suresh Shetkar to coordinate with the party leaders and see that the party candidate wins the seat.
Meanwhile, the party had decided to prevail upon senior leader G Vivek, son of G Venkataswamy to contest the Warangal lok Sabha seat. Though several aspirants are trying their luck, the party high command is inclined towards Vivek. Vivek, however, is not ready to contest the election.
It is learnt that Digvijaya Singh asked Vivek to contest the election so that he can continue the legacy of his father. Vivek was also promised of a berth in the soon to be reconstituted AICC, sources said.
To impress upon Vivek, Digvijaya Singh also paid tributes at newly unveiled statue of Venkataswamy on the Tank Bund.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that former MP Mallu Ravi has asked Digvijaya as to when the new TPCC would be constituted. It has been eight months that the TPCC chief and working president has been elected but the committee was not formed till now.