A seasoned politician and a textile tycoon turned politician are the two challengers trying to deny yet another term to veteran leader Nagam Janardhan Reddy from Nagarkurnool constituency.
Businessman in fray
Suspended from the Telugu Desam, Dr. Janardhan Reddy, in his new avatar as Telangana protagonist, is in the fray as an Independent candidate. He is being challenged by former Zilla Parishad chairman K. Damodar Reddy (Congress) and a new entrant to politics Marri Janardhan Reddy (TDP), who is owner of chain of readymade garment showrooms in Hyderabad.
TRS backs
The TRS has not fielded its candidate in Nagarkurnool in deference to the ‘sacrifice' made by Dr. Janardhan Reddy in quitting his seat for the cause of a separate Telangana State. Making his electoral debut in 1983, Dr. Janardhan Reddy has been closely associated with the TDP ever since its formation and was a key member till he parted ways in support of Telangana.
In 2009 elections, he won the Nagarkurnool seat by a margin of 6,593 votes defeating Mr. Damodar Reddy of the Congress. Out of the 1.47 lakh votes polled, he secured 68,026 votes.
Tough for TDP?
Dr. Reddy has to a large extent taken with him the TDP cadre, making things difficult for the TDP nomine Marri Janardhan Reddy.
The TDP novice is completely banking on the party's image for his victory while the Congress nominee Mr. Damodar Reddy is going around talking about the good work he did as the ZP chief.
It is believed that Dr. Reddy is hopeful of comfortable victory as he has the support of parties backing the statehood cause.
His popularity among the people as poor man's doctor is likely to fetch him votes. With the pro-Telangana organisations backing his candidature, the going is easy till now.
He is representing Nagarkurnool constituency for the fourth consecutive term since 1994.
The constituency is set to witness hectic political activity as the TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and TRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao are scheduled to tour the villages some time next week.
Kiran to campaign
Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy is scheduled to campaign in Mahabubnagar constituency on March 15 but is reportedly avoiding campaigning in Nagarkurnool and Kollapur Assembly constituencies.
