Nagarjunasagar Assembly Seat: Jagadish pouring cold water on Gutha's bid ?

Hyderabad: The bypoll to Nagarjunasagar Assembly constituency has widened the political rift between State Legislative Council chairman Gutha Sukendar Reddy and Energy Minister G Jagadish Reddy, as the two leaders are trying to outdo each other in the upcoming polls.

After the death of Nagarjunasagar sitting MLA Nomula Narasimhaiah, the possible candidate contesting the seat from the ruling TRS has become the talk of the town. While several leaders are lobbying, party sources said that Gutha Sukender Reddy would be the ideal candidate as he had earlier won as MP from Nalgonda and is financially sound.

Ever since the name of Sukender Reddy was heard, Minister Jagadish Reddy plunged into action and wanted the TRS chief to entrust the Nagarjunasagar responsibility to him as he is against giving ticket to Sukender Reddy.

The Energy Minister reportedly had told the party high command that if he was given the responsibility of Sagar, he would ensure victory of the party like he did during the Huzurnagar bypoll. Jagadish Reddy played a crucial role in the victory of his aide S Saidireddy in Huzurnagar defeating N Padmavati Reddy of Congress. Jagadish Reddy is said to be pitching for Koti Reddy as the candidate.

However, party sources said that there were other reasons for the enthusiasm of the Energy Minister. It is said that if Sukender Reddy wins from Nagarjunasagar, he was likely to get a Minister's post. In this case, Jagadish Reddy, who is from the same (erstwhile Nalgonda) district would have to forego the Minister's post, hence the Minister was taking all the steps to ensure party does not give ticket to Sukender Reddy, said sources. The party leaders believe that the TRS chief might look at the winning options especially after Dubbaka drubbing.

Meanwhile, the council chairman speaking to reporters recently made an interesting comment on the bypoll. He said that it would be a good practice if the political parties try for a unanimous election in Nagarjunasagar. If the candidate was from the family of Nomula Narasimhaiah, the parties could go for a unanimous election. If both Congress and BJP do not respond, the TRS would adopt its own strategy, he said.