CPM hopes to make a turnaround in LS polls

Hyderabad: State CPM leadership is confident of regaining its lost ground in Nalgonda and Khammam Lok Sabha constituencies from where it has fielded candidates for ensuing Parliament polls.

According to party sources, in both the constituencies the CPM candidates will play a key role in denting the electoral fortunes of their opponents from the TRS, Congress and BJP.

Speaking to The Hans India, Mallu Lakshmi, who is making a whirlwind tour of the seven Assembly segments under the Nalgonda parliament constituency said, "Voters here know me for working on the people's issues for years.

Also, till date, not a single woman candidate has ever been sent to Parliament from the Nalgonda Lok Sabha seat. So, this time, I am asking them to give me an opportunity to represent them," she added.

It may be mentioned here that Lakshmi, is the daughter of Mallu Swarajyam, a prominent freedom fighter, who participated in the armed struggle against the Nizam rule was also one of the founding members of the CPI(M).

The founding members of CPI(M) referred to as 'Adikuduru' in the local parlance is another factor which is adding to Lakshmi, as she is seen coming from the family of those participated in people's struggles throughout their lives.

She is also supported by the CPI which has considerable presence in three Assembly segments like Huzurnagar, Kodada, Miryalaguda and Deverakonda. So far, "I have completed the first round of electioneering covering all the Assembly segments except few areas under Huzurnagar and Kodada.

But, the marked difference I see is mostly womenfolk from different sections, including self-help groups, Anganwadi's and others are coming in big numbers to express their support to send a woman candidate as their representative," she said.

Also, the recent defeat of the TRS candidates in the teachers and graduate constituency elections to the State Legislative Council is also another factor and the party is hoping the support of the teachers, employees and graduate voters to her.

Terming it will be a triangular contest in Nalgonda, a senior party leader said both BJP-TRS are seen one and the same.

A party state executive committee member said that for long the party in Khammam was disturbed so it would be a Herculean task for the party to bring back its lost glory in a single election.

But, it will definitely play a key role in the electoral outcomes in Khammam LS seat, he said.