MLC Elections in Telangana: Intense lobbying and power play

Telangana is gearing up for elections to fill five MLC seats chosen by MLAs. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has his favourites for these positions, but the party is urging senior leaders and loyal members instead. We will know the final four candidates on polling day, March 20.

These seats are open because the current member is Mohd. Mahmood Ali, Satyavathi Rathod, Seri Subash Reddy, Mallesham Yegge, and Mirza Riyazul Hassan Effendi—will finish their terms on March 29. The election announcement is expected on March 3. Candidates can submit nominations until March 10; the nominations will be reviewed on March 11. Candidates can withdraw until March 13. Voting will take place on March 20, with results counted that evening.

Leading candidates for the seats include Anjan Kumar Yadav, T. Jayaprakash Reddy, R. Damodar Reddy, SA Sampath Kumar, Ch. Vamshi Chand Reddy, Addanki Dayakar, and Gali Anil Kumar. Bellaiah Naik is a strong choice for the ST quota.

Sunita Rao and Indira Sobhan are competing for the women’s quota. Feroz Khan, Faheem, and Shabbir Ali are in the running for the minority quota. Rohin Reddy and Sama Rammohan Reddy are candidates for the OC quota.

Additionally, CPRO Ayodhya Reddy, adviser Vem Narendra Reddy, Faheem Quereshi, and Rohin Reddy are trying to gain support from the CM. However, some party members have concerns about these candidates, making the final choice difficult.

Kavitha’s Comeback: KCR’s Green Signal?

Has KCR allowed Kalvakuntla Kavitha to challenge the ruling Congress? BRS insiders think so. Since she secured bail in the Delhi liquor scam, Kavitha has ramped up her political activities, focusing on issues important to the backward caste community.

Not everyone in BRS supported her renewed effort at first. Some senior party leaders, including relatives, worried her active role might hurt the party due to the ongoing scam concerns. However, things changed after a key meeting on February 19 at Telangana Bhavan. Sources say KCR defended Kavitha and gave her more importance than his son, KT Rama Rao, the BRS working president. Insiders report that KCR praised her for managing important issues and supported her return to politics.

The large crowds at Kavitha’s rallies also support this idea. Her recent tour in Mahabubabad was very successful, with strong support from the party cadre. Political observers believe this support comes with KCR’s approval. While KTR is the official working president, Kavitha’s growing influence suggests a change in party strategy.

Kavitha is not just giving speeches; she is also engaging with backward caste groups and making strong statements against the Congress government. Her recent comments on BC reservations and women’s empowerment show she is planning a political comeback. With KCR’s support, she seems ready to reclaim her role in BRS and prepare for an intense political fight in Telangana.

TDP’s First Crack? Young Leader’s Exit Sparks Buzz

Just 14 months into power, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) shows signs of trouble. The issue started when GV Reddy, a young and energetic leader, resigned as chairman of the troubled AP FiberNet Ltd. He also stepped down as the party’s national spokesperson and left the TDP entirely, citing “personal reasons.”

However, the real story is different. Days before his resignation, Reddy made serious allegations against FiberNet MD Dinesh Kumar, pointing out major irregularities. His statements upset the party’s leadership. Sources say that before Reddy could talk to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, IAS officers who supported the MD met with the CM and changed his mind. When Reddy finally got to meet Naidu, he faced a harsh rebuke—Naidu warned him of serious consequences for crossing a line.

Surprised by this reaction, Reddy resigned from all his roles and turned off his phone, cutting off contact. Insiders say he did not expect such a direct criticism from Naidu. His close associates believe he felt betrayed, given his loyalty and hard work for the party.

Political watchers say both sides share the blame. Reddy’s concerns may be valid, but Naidu could have responded more calmly. Sources suggest that the fallout might have been avoided if Reddy had spoken to the relevant minister, Janardhan Reddy, or IT Minister Nara Lokesh instead of going to the media.

TDP insiders agree that this incident has stirred some unrest within the party. It raises questions about whether this issue is an isolated case or the beginning of more profound discontent within Naidu’s camp.