All eyes on how many TRS candidates will get B-form

​Hyderabad: Is there any planned strategy behind TRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao's decision to announce party candidates for 105 Assembly constituencies at one go on Thursday?

Why did he retain more than 95 per cent of sitting MLAs despite statements and leaks that some of the legislators were performing below par in various surveys conducted by him?

Insiders and political pundits say KCR does not want any dissent or rebellious steps by ticket-deprived sitting MLAs that might lead to turmoil in party ranks in those constituencies. It might prove advantageous for Congress and other parties. There is a good chance of opposition parties poach ticket-deprived TRS MLAs or they themselves approaching parties like Congress or TJS for tickets.

The other reason being speculated for KCR retaining majority of the sitting MLAs is his statements in the recent past including in party plenary when he stated that his MLAs were like diamonds and that he would offer tickets to them once again. KCR did not want to contradict himself by denying ticket to a good number of MLAs who failed to live up to expectations.

However, the key aspect in contesting elections is getting the B-form from the party and it remains to be seen how many of 105 candidates in the first list get the nod. Party insiders say at least 20 per cent of candidates would be on the radar for next two months as their movements and strategies would be keenly watched by the party. If surveys and reports present a different picture on winning prospects of some sitting candidates, there is every chance of party leadership handing over B-form to another strong leader.