Politics in the Nizamabad rural constituency (formerly Dichpally), a current stronghold of the TRS represented by one of its strongest leaders Bajireddy Govardhan, is taking quite an interesting turn.
The sudden re-entry of former minister and a five-time MLA Mandava Venkateswar Rao into politics leaves slim chances for MLC R. Bhoopathi Reddy and former MLC Arkala Narsa Reddy of getting a ticket.
Wild card entry
Mr. Mandava had not contested the 2014 elections with an intention of retiring from public life. Though he kept away from politics for five years, he maintained close contacts with the people and never gave an impression of his re-entry all this while. He is now understood to be inclined to take an active part in politics again.
The reason could be pressure from TDP supremo and his mentor N. Chandrababu Naidu or the changed political equations in Telangana.
Mr. Mandava is certainly one of the key leaders in the Mahakootami (grand alliance) and if he wants, Congress will have to concede the Nizamabad rural seat to him. He still has considerable following and name in the constituency. People are of the view that though he had voluntarily retired from politics, he is physically fit and agile even today at 63.
Though there is a long list of aspirants for a Congress ticket in the constituency, it is believed that the main contenders are the TRS
MLC R. Bhoopathi Reddy who joined the Congress recently in the presence of Rahul Gandhi and former MLC Arkala Narsa Reddy. Both leaders have already launched their campaigns and are holding separate meetings.
Many aspirants
Mr. Narsa Reddy, a close political aide of Mandava in the TDP, joined the Congress along with MLA A. Revanth Reddy in the presence of Rahul Gandhi a few months back. He was fully hopeful of securing the ticket before the entry of Dr. Bhoopathi Reddy who is still the TRS MLC, technically.
Both of them claim they got a promise from Mr. Gandhi for the party ticket. Mr. Revanth Reddy might insist for ticket for Mr. Narsa Reddy and in case Mr. Mandava changes his mind in the last minute, he too may support for him.
A political favour
On the other hand, Rajya Sabha member D. Srinivas who is keeping away from the TRS is recommending Dr. Bhoopathi Reddy’s candidature. After his entry into the Congress, which is said to be certain, he might use his influence to favour Dr. Bhoopathi Reddy. Already DS’ followers in the constituency are rallying behind him.
