YSR will have his way in candidate selection in Congress

By Rajeshwar Rao

The sitting MPs of the Congress party from the coastal region are finding themselves on a sticky wicket ahead of the general elections as they fear the “all-powerful” chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy would yield very little ground to them in the selection of MLA candidates.

Most of the sitting MPs had played a key role in picking up candidates for the assembly segments falling in their parliamentary constituency limits in the last general elections. “YSR was just a CLP leader then and did not enjoy the clout he has now with the high command,” a sitting MLA from Krishna district said.

Since most of the MPs were industrialist-turned-politicos, they were given a free hand keeping in view of their funding capabilities in the 2004 polls. “But this time, it will be the CM himself calling the shots as he will pick the candidates for many constituencies,” admitted a sitting MP from Guntur district.

Sources said Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal, who had his way by denying renomination for the lone sitting minority legislator Jaleel Khan in the last elections, is now finding it difficult to “field” his nominees from all the seven assembly segments. Rajagopal, then chairman of Lanco group, had enjoyed a lot of clout with the high command as he was one of the few “resourceful” persons during 2004.

Already, YSR loyalists like former urban development authority chairman Malladi Vishnu, BC leader Kolanukonda Sivaji and former MLA Jaleel Khan are among those who are refusing to toe the line of Rajagopal. “Obviously the need for big industrialists and their monies has come down. With no dearth of funds, the aspirants have to look up to YSR only and gain his confidence,” explained a senior Congress leader from East Godavari.

In Guntur district, sitting MP Rayapati Sambasiva Rao is already facing the heat from YSR confidants. Rayapati, who secured at least five tickets out of the seven at stake in the last elections, is running from pillar to post. “Even his own ticket for the MP seat is doubtful as the four-time MP is facing a stiff competition from film hero Krishna’s brother Adiseshagiri Rao,” a veteran Congress leader told TOI. Sources said Adiseshagiri has the “blessings” of YSR.

Sources said Tenali MP Balasoury is going all out for an overhaul of sitting MLA candidates thanks to his proximity with YSR. “Though the MP candidates will not have a free hand which they had enjoyed in the previous election, some (read YSR loyalists) of them are given leeway to select the MLA nominees,” said a party insider.

Speaking to HNN, Guntur DCC chief Singam Basavapunnaiah said ensuring party’s victory is on top of the CM’s agenda. “All other issues take a back seat since the party high command believes AP will be crucial for forming the government at the Centre,” he added.