Local polls too to turn intense battleground

Vikarabad: The battle for the territorial elections in the district is in some ways challenging the major parties. This is due to the highest number of contenders this time around. The leaders of the major parties are contemplating as to who should be continued in the polls, as the date of withdrawing nominations in only two days away.

Seven mandals are going to face polls in the first phase in the district. There are 195 candidates from TRS and 194 from Congress that are in the fray for 97 MPTC seats. Some 20 candidates from TRS and 19 from Congress filed nominations for seven district territorial seats. In some places, two or three candidates from each of the major parties filed nominations. They are pressurizing the party leaders to announce their names as contenders. Some are lobbying heavily for their candidature.

The major parties are trying to keep the names of the candidates confidential until the last minute of the withdrawal process. TRS cadre is actively working keeping in view of its performance in the recent panchayat elections. Parigi MLA Koppula Mahesh Reddy is also trying to excel in the election and to get a pat on his back from KCR. Former Congress MLA Tammanagari Ramaohan Reddy, who was defeated in the Assembly elections, is trying to rise to the occasion. These two leaders carefully selected the candidates.

In the Kodangal constituency, Patnam Narendar Reddy, who was elected for the TRS for the first time is also trying hard for the victory in the territorial elections. Former MLA Revanth Reddy mobilized the activists of the Congress for the polls. Even here, the issue of rebel candidates is bothering all the parties. A huge number of nominations have been filed in almost all places.

Party leaders are not in a position to ask the candidates to withdraw their nominations. 24 TRS candidates and 31 Congress candidates are in the fray for 13 MPTC seats in Parigi mandal. 29 TRS candidates and 34 Congress candidates are in the fray for 14 MPTC seats in Doma mandal. 28 TRS candidates and 27 Congress candidates are contesting for 16 MPTC seats in Kulkacharla mandal. 31 TRS candidates and 30 Congress candidates are contesting for 13 MPTC seats in Pudur mandal.

The situation is the same in almost all mandals in the district. It has become a nightmare for the in-charges to deal with the candidates who do not want to withdraw their nominations.