Ignoring party loyalists may cost TRS dear

Khammam: The selection of candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections has left many aspirants in the TRS party unhappy in the Khammam district. In some constituencies, the most senior leaders and loyalists who have been committed to the party for several years were denied tickets. On seeing their leaders being ignored, even the supporters are not happy. 

In Sattupalli, the TRS is facing challenge from its own local leader Dr. Matta Dayanand. Many TRS local leaders and loyalists are not happy with the denial of ticket to Dayanand who has been working tirelessly for the party for several years in the constituency. They are pressurising him not to compromise and contest elections as a independent candidate if the party does not give (B-form) ticket to him.

In a recent meeting in Sattupalli, Dr. Matta Dayanand poured out his sorrow. “Since past 20 years my wife Dr Ragamai and I are rendering services to the poor people living in the surrounding areas by conducting several free medical camps and helping the youth for pursuing higher studies.”

“I strived hard for strengthening the TRS party in the region by conducting several programmes and took the party to each and every village and home. Seeing my commitment, the party assured me of Sattupalli ticket. But by announcing P Ravi’s name, the party has betrayed me,” said disgruntled leader. 

“I am the local person and will be available round the clock to serve the people. I am not against KCR and a big fan of Tummala Nageswara Rao. Whatever the instructions will be given by MP Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy I will follow them,” he added. 

But how can Ravi will work for the people of the constituency without their support, he questioned. His supporters and locals made it clear to the State leadership of the party that Pidamarthy Ravi will never get his support even if he wins.

Even if Ravi is allowed to contest the elections from Sattupalli, the TRS loyalists from the constituency said that they would field Dr. Matta Dayanand to contest the polls as independent candidate against Pidamarthy Ravi.

They also stated that party loyalists will always stick with the party, but will never support someone who has been brought from outside (the area) when talented and educated local candidates are neglected. 

In Madhira, humiliation caused to senior TRS leader Bommera Ramurthy has left the party worried as his supporters are not happy with the ill-treatment meted to him by not allotting ticket.

In Wyra, the TRS is facing tough time after allotting ticket to sitting MLA Banothu Madan Lal. About 22 TRS public representatives resigned demanding the KCR to cancel the ticket that is allotted to B Madan Lal.

The TRS party loyalists and public representatives in Madhira and Wyra, including those who have been with the party for over 15 years, have threatened the party of immense resistance.

One of the TRS senior leaders said on the condition of anonymity, that the TRS political party in the State apparently ignored party loyalists as it partially handed out tickets to others for the upcoming Assembly elections.

He said,“the presence of rebels and dissent of some leaders will become a challenge for TRS as it can change their equations on most of the seats. This will result in a complete collapse of TRS and I am worried as I fear it will face the same fate as the 2009 elections in the past, a total failure.”