HYDERABAD: Senior leaders in the state Congress are keenly watching every move of Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender, waiting for him to make a decision on his immediate political future. For many of these leaders, Nagender’s decision will influence their own political strategies.
Having been elected to the Assembly on a BRS ticket in 2023, Nagender contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on a Congress ticket, leaving him open for disqualification from the membership of the Telangana Assembly. With options running out, he is reportedly actively considering resignation which would help him avoid being barred from contesting again.
Nagender was camped in Delhi through Friday, where he insisted on both the ticket to contest the byelection which would be necessitated once he resigns, as well as a Cabinet post upon reelection. However, a hitch in his plans is the Congress high command’s reluctance to play ball — Nagender was reportedly told to broach the subject of the ticket and post with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.
Political sources indicated that state leaders have suggested an MLC post for Nagender instead of the bypoll ticket. However, the Khairatabad MLA is believed to be firmly opposed to the MLC proposal and is insisting on both the ticket and a ministerial role.
Meanwhile, some leaders who have been eyeing a spike in their own career graphs have been manoeuvring for the Khairatabad ticket. Among them is Khairatabad DCC president C Rohin Reddy, who is preparing to contest should the seat fall vacant.
The matter has also become entangled with the pending decision on Mohammad Azharuddin’s MLC post, which remains unresolved at the Governor’s office.
Cong leader: Resignation just a matter of time
His close associates said Nagender is consulting senior ministers and trusted colleagues on how to proceed. A senior minister said, “Danam Nagender is ready to resign, but whether he should act now or after filing an affidavit in the Speaker’s court is under discussion. Senior leaders are also talking to the high command. AICC leaders must decide on a ticket if he vacates the seat.”
Congress leaders noted that offering Nagender, a BC, an MLC post while granting the MLA ticket to Rohin Reddy could trigger criticism over BC representation. Opposition parties may use it to target the Congress and former AICC president Rahul Gandhi.
In a parallel development, Station Ghanpur MLA Kadiyam Srihari said he will proceed based on the Speaker’s decision.
He expressed confidence that voters would support him in a byelection and reiterated his focus on constituency development and securing additional funds through the Congress government.