Scramble for reserved tickets

Khammam/ Warangal: It is often said in political circles that the Congress is its own enemy. With the Congress Chaitanya Yatra continues to receive overwhelming response in erstwhile Khammam district after its massive success in Warangal constituencies, the number of contenders aspiring for the party tickets is swelling day by day.

If the success of public meetings in the constituency headquarters, Yellandu and Maripeda (Dornakal segment) a couple of days ago and the one held at Manuguru, major town of Pinapaka constituency, on Tuesday, are any indication, there is definitely a jostle among the aspirants vying for the Congress tickets in constituencies reserved for tribals- Mahabubabad, Dornakal, Yellandu, Pinapaka, Wyra, Aswaraopet and Bhadrachalam.

It is speculated that during the bus yatra, the party functionaries are also closely watching and analysing the workmanship of aspirants especially in regard with crowd mobilisation and finances.

Bhukya Uma Murali Naik, Municipal Chairperson, Mahila Congress president and Ponugodu sarpanch Guguloth Suchitra, Belyam Naik, Hussain Naik, Dasru Naik and a few others are said to be prominent among those vying for Mahabubabad ticket.

On the other hand, aspiring Dornakal ticket Dr Jatothu Ramachandru Naik, who lost the election on TDP ticket in 2014, seems to be sitting pretty as he reportedly got the TPCC president N Uttam Kumar Reddy’s assurance.

While Banoth Haripriya Naik, who lost 2014 election on TDP ticket, Chimala Venkateshwarlu, Dr B Ravi Kumar, Bhukya Dalsingh etc. are prominent among seeking Yellandu ticket, the first two have the advantage over others, according to Congress sources.

In fact, it was Congress’ Korem Kanakaiah who won the Yellandu seat in 2014. However, he later shifted loyalties to ruling TRS. However, there are quite a few contenders for Pinapaka ticket; Rega Kanta Rao seems to be the frontrunner. He was denied ticket in 2014 owing to alliance.

“It’s going to be tough for the ruling TRS in erstwhile Warangal and Khammam districts. In Khammam, the TRS has just two Assembly seats (Kothagudem and Palair) and has more turncoats – one MP, five MLAs,” Bandi Sudhakar Goud, TPCC Secretary, told The Hans India. It may be mentioned here that legislators of Aswaraopet, Pinapaka, Wyra (of YSR Congress), Yellandu and Khammam (of Congress) switched over to ruling TRS.

In case of Mahabubabad Lok Sabha seat, it is almost certain that former minister Porika Balram Naik, who lost his seat to A Sitaram Naik (TSR) in 2014, will be the candidate which was openly announced by the TPCC President N Uttam Kumar Reddy in a recent public meeting.