There is growing demand among Congress leaders for tickets ahead of the municipal polls. Senior Congress leaders are pushing hard for their loyal workers. Leaders who recently joined from other parties are also pressing the high command.
The municipal election schedule is likely within two or three days. As a result ticket seekers have stepped up lobbying. Several groups are demanding representation. The Congress leadership does not want to repeat the mistakes made during the panchayat polls.
The party now faces the challenge of balancing old loyalists and new entrants. Both sides want a fair share. Leaders are trying to manage internal anger. The aim is to reduce backlash from those who miss out.
The dispute is sharper in areas of the 10 defecting MLAs. The BRS has raised objections against these leaders. The Congress Speaker has dismissed their disqualification. Still the ruling party is struggling to keep both camps calm.
Open fights are visible in Chevella, Gadwal, Khairatabad, Station Ghanpur, Patancheru, Serilingampally, Bansuwada, Jagityala, Bhadrachalam and Rajendranagar. In Chevella. MLA Kale Yadaiah and Congress incharge Bheem Bharat are backing rival candidates.
In Gadwal, MLA Krishnamohan Reddy and Congress in charge Sarita are battling for control. At the same time leaders from other parties are being welcomed into the Congress. This has added to local tensions and rivalries.
In Jagityal, ex minister Jeevan Reddy is angry with sitting MLA Sanjay Kumar. In Bhadrachalam, MLA Tellam Venkatarao is opposing forest development corporation chairman Podem Veeraiah. Podem is demanding more tickets for his supporters.
In Banswawada, Pocharam Srinivasa Reddy and ex MLA Enugu Ravinder Reddy remain at odds. In Patancheru MLA Gudem Mahipal Reddy’s remark about joining Congress created a stir. Station Ghanpur also faces rivalry between Kadiyam Srihari and Indira.
Old Congress leaders want tickets for their people. New entrants are also making similar demands. The PCC says only winnable candidates will get tickets. Every leader is trying to shape this process to their own benefit.
