Hyderabad: As state Congress leadership embraces senior leaders like MLAs Meenapally Hanumanta Raoformer congressman Pungulati Srinivas Reddy and others from the ruling BRS didn’t have much of a problem, but loyal leaders who applied for tickets were disappointed.
According to party sources, those who raised ground support in public and latest membership campaigns remain unhappy with the latest developments as the traitors’ only goal remains to maintain political influence, apart from protecting business interests by securing party tickets.
They question what will happen if these traitors change loyalties after winning parliamentary seats, as was the case before about a dozen party MPs who joined BRS. “Raventh Reddy has time and time again over the last two years assured those who work hard of recognition and party tickets.
These aspirants not only made history by investing a lot of energy during the initiation but also played an important role in mobilizing the masses during the public meetings. Sadly, Ravens was at Kumbam Anil Kumar Reddy’s residence within two months to welcome him back. If tickets are given to newcomers, the morale of existing cadres will suffer. ” warned a senior leader.
On September 25, a team led by CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka visited Malkajgiri MLA Mynampally and later local DCC chairman Nandikanti Sridhar, the initial ticket contender from the constituency, to pacify him.
Sridhar maintained a brave look on his face as he claimed that his name was second in the first list approved by the AICC. However, he struggled to accept that Mynampally might steal his future. He competed in the Party Ticket competition in 2014, losing to BRS’s Kanaka Reddy. In 2018, the seat was allotted to TJS (Telangana Jana Samiti) as part of ‘Mahakutami’, triggering his protest. “I am convinced that the party will give me a ticket. But if that does not happen, then after discussions with my cadre, I will decide the future course,” Sridhar said.
Even in constituencies focused on by leaders like Poungulati, unease remains as the influence of top leaders such as former MP Renuka Chaudhary and former minister Sambani Chandrasekhar has been diminished . As the party prepares for its first list, some candidates seeking to contest from constituencies under Panguletti’s guidance remain anxious.