KCR faces stiff challenge from Congress, BJP

Protégé Vijayashanti is tough contender

Medak: Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief K Chandrasekhar Rao who is contesting both the Medak Lok Sabha and Gajwel Assembly seats is likely to face a stiff opposition from both the Congress and BJP at Medak.

Formerly from YSRCP, Dr Shravan Kumar, an eleventh hour Congress choice, was invited by the Congress after senior party leader Bhupal Reddy declined to contest.

As part of the TDP-BJP alliance, BJP is fielding Chagandla Narendranath, who had lost narrowly to 2009 winner Vijayashanti (TRS) as the Congress nominee. Although till recently in the ruling party, he joined BJP, after senior Congress leaders, including several ministers, opposed his candidature for the LS seat. He is known for his philanthropic activities.

The TRS had bagged the Medak seat twice since its formation. In 2004 Ale Narendra, who died recently, was the winner. In 2009 Vijayashanti emerged victorious. Now she is the Congress nominee for the Medak Assembly segment. With KCR himself contesting, the party is more or less assured of a thumping win, feel political pundits.

Although Telangana sentiment is strong in the Assembly segments of Siddipet, Dubbak, Gajwel and Medak, the Congress has a good hold in Narsapur, Patancheru and Sangareddy seats, which are represented by former minister Sunita Lakshma reddy, Nandishwar Goud and Turpu Jayaprakash Reddy, Government whip.

With TRS fielding Madan Reddy in Narsapur, Gudem Mahipal Reddy in Patancheru and Chinta Prabhakar in Sangareddy, the Congress is likely to find the going tough. However, the BJP is handicapped by the absence of strong candidates.