The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Vijayalakshmi named for Pulivendula by-poll

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Vijayalakshmi named for Pulivendula by-poll

Special Correspondent

Reluctant YSR’s widow to contest on Sonia’s insistence

Vijayalakshmi

HYDERABAD: The Congress party has named Y. S. Vijayalakshmi, wife of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, as the official candidate for by-poll to Pulivendula Assembly constituency.

The AICC Central Election Committee in-charge Oscar Fernandes, in a statement issued in New Delhi on Saturday night, said: “Congress president Sonia Gandhi has approved the name of Y.S. Vijayalakshmi as the party candidate for ensuing elections by-election to Pulivendula Assembly constituency.”

Pulivendula seat fell vacant following the untimely death of Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash in Kurnool district on September 2. The by-poll will be held on December 9 while the last day for filing nominations is December 2.

The announcement ends speculation in the party that YSR’s son and Kadapa MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy was a strong claimant for the ticket. Even though, Ms. Vijayalakshmi reportedly expressed her reluctance to enter the electoral fray, it is understood that the AICC president was particular that she should contest the elections.

Though the AICC chief is said to have hinted that the party was keen on fielding the former Chief Minister’s widow, his son was hopeful till the last minute that the central leadership would consider his candidature.

Party sources said Ms. Vijayalakshmi, along with Mr. Jagan and other family members, would arrive in Pulivendula on Monday (Nov.30). She will formally file her nomination papers on December 1

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