On the final day of filing nominations for the MLC elections under the local bodies Congress party changed its Ranga Reddy district MLC candidate while sticking to the two others announced earlier.
Kommuri Pratap Reddy was announced as the new candidate in the place of Udaymohan Reddy, who was said to be reluctant to contest for various reasons. However, he too filed nomination along with Mr. Pratap Reddy.
Nalgonda MLC candidate Komatireddy Lakshmi, wife of Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy, filed her nomination papers while I. Venkatrami Reddy filed nominations as Congress candidate for the Warangal MLC constituency.
Mr. Uday Mohan Reddy was earlier announced apparently on the suggestion of Chevella MP Konda Vishweshwer Reddy. But on the suggestion of Tandur MLA P. Rohith Reddy and also Mr. Vishweshwer Reddy the candidate was changed.
Congress strong
However, going by the numbers it appears to be smooth sailing for the ruling TRS candidates, except in Nalgonda where it might face some fight as the seat was held by Mr. Rajgopal Reddy. He had resigned after he won from Munugode in the recent Assembly elections.
Party sources said Mr. Rajgopal Reddy won with a handsome majority of 193 votes in the last MLC elections when TRS was ruling in its first term. The Telangana sentiment was high at that time and despite that Mr. Reddy won with an unexpected majority.
Moreover, his brother Komatireddy Venkata Reddy was a severe critic of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and the ruling party made its best efforts to defeat him. The win was possible because of Mr Reddy’s personal rapport with the local bodies representatives irrespective of the parties. “So he will ensure that his wife takes the seat comfortably,” is the argument of party leaders.
TRS may sweep
Congress is not so strong with TRS sweeping the Assembly elections and attracting the local bodies representatives from all the parties weakening the opposition. Ranga Reddy district has some strong support with strong leaders with financial support but party leaders say the last minute change bringing in a non-local, Kommuri Pratap Reddy will not serve its purpose.
The last date filing nominations was Tuesday, scrutiny on Wednesday. The last date for withdrawal is May 17. Polling will be held on May 31 with the counting and announcement of result on June 3.
