With the untimely death of TRS MLA Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy, Dubbaka is going for a by-poll. All political parties are gearing up to field their candidates. While TRS has decided to field a member of Ramachandra Reddy’s family, BJP has reportedly confirmed the candidacy of Raghunandan Rao who has launched his election campaign with much fanfare. There is no clarity yet on the Congress nominee. There were reports that the party was considering the name of former MP Vijayashanti, but she has reportedly expressed her reluctance to fight the by-election and communicated the same with the party leadership.
It may be recalled that Vijayashanti was Lok Sabha member from Medak between 2009-14. Following differences with TRS, she contested as MLA in 2014 on Congress’s ticket but lost to Padma Devender Reddy of TRS. She has done formidable work during her tenure as Medak MP and has won the trust of people in the constituency. Besides being known as a firebrand leader in Congress, she also has significant following as an actress. ‘Sarileru Neekevvaru’ which was recently released starring her and Mahesh Babu was a big hit. Congress was confident of Vijayashanti winning the Dubbaka seat because of her strong relations in the region, but her refusal has ignited hope in at least a dozen leaders who have thrown their hats in the ring.
No dearth of candidates
There are at least half-a-dozen leaders vying for Dubbaka ticket in Congress. Komatireddy Narasimha Reddy, Karnam Srinivas and two more senior leaders are indulged in intense lobbying for the ticket. Komatireddy Narasimha Reddy is already in campaign mode by constantly attacking the failures of the TRS government and reaching out to local party leaders. There are fears in the party that if the party picks up Narasimha Reddy, other aspirants might revolt and look toward rival parties. In view of this, party leadership is going to consult and convince other aspirants before taking any decision in favour of Narasimha Reddy.
In 2018 Assembly election, Congress candidate Nageswar Reddy lost to Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy by a margin of 62,500 votes. While TRS is eyeing 50,000 to one lakh majority this time, Congress believes the lack of development under TRS in the constituency will sway people towards Congress in the bypoll.
Bigg Boss contestant in fray
Anchor and Bigg Boss contestant Karthika is preparing to test her luck in politics by contesting in Dubbaka by-election. She is already engaged in election campaign. Dubbaka is dominated by Gouda community. She is telling people that nothing has been done for the Goudas by the TRS government in the constituency. She is also comparing the development in neighbouring Siddipet and Gajwel with the backwardness of Dubbaka. Karthika is assuring people she will be there for all communities, not only Goudas.
