Kurnool Assembly seat to witness tug of war between YSRCP, TDP

Kurnool: A tug of war like competition is prevailing between Hafeez Khan and TG Bharat in Kurnool Assembly constituency. Hafeez Khan is contesting from YSRCP, while TG Bharat is contesting from TDP for the Kurnool Assembly seat. Though the candidates are new entrants to elections, they have enormous support among the voters.

Of the two leaders, TG Bharat is having the support of his father, TG Venkatesh, the present Rajya Sabha Member and an MLA for two terms. While Hafeez Khan doesn't have any political background, but has good response among the community people. Nearly 40 per cent Muslims are said to be residing in Kurnool.

Kurnool Assembly constituency has 50 municipal wards with 150 colonies and a population of nearly 5 lakhs. Of the 50 wards, 13 wards fall under Panyam Assembly constituency. The remaining 37 wards fall under Kurnool Assembly constituency. Of the total population 40 per cent belongs to Muslim Minorities and the SCs occupies the second place to 30 to 35 per cent.

TG Bharat with his "Vision Yatra" is trying to win the hearts of the voters. He has started the Yatra around 8 months ago. His followers who are active in social media were updating the programmes of Bharat. At the same time his father's support is added advantage. Bharat is trying hard to appease the Muslim community voters.

Hafeez Khan who doesn't have any political background is having good name among the community people and among others as well. Khan has started a campaign "Good Morning Kurnool" prior to Bharat's Vision Yatra but it was not known to several people. Khan is making whirlwind campaigning in all wards in the Assembly segment.

Recently, SV Mohan Reddy, who won the MLA seat from YSRCP in 2014 general election, did not continue in the party till end of his tenure. Citing developments of Kurnool, Reddy shifted to TDP. With the denial of ticket by Naidu, Reddy has again joined YSRCP and is supporting Hafeez Khan.