Suspense shrouds Kodandaram’s poll fight

​Hyderabad: Assembly elections are just five weeks away, and one thing that is grabbing the attention of all political parties, pundits and general public alike is Telangana Jana Samithi chief Prof Kodandaram's next move. The question in everyone’s mind is whether Kodandaram will contest Assembly election or not. Even TJS ranks have no clarity on the issue.

Till now, neither the TJS chief nor the party leaders have announced the constituency from where Kodandaram would enter the poll fray. This suspense has been continuing since September 6, when the Assembly was dissolved making early elections inevitable. Although names of four to five constituencies have been cropped up (Warangal West, Ramagundam, Jangaon etc) from where Kodandaram is likely to contest, neither the party nor its president has given enough hint about their final choice.

With election date nearing, will TJS chief be caught under-prepared or not having enough time on hand to reach out to voters in a particular constituency, if at all he chooses to contest? On the other hand, the TRS cadre and even ministers are touring in KCR's home turf Gajwel campaigning for their president and Chief Minister even though the latter had not toured the constituency personally. Same goes with TPCC chief Uttam Kumar Reddy.

Congress activists and supporters are campaigning extensively in Huzurnagar segment as their president is preoccupied with alliance talks, finalisation of seats and manifesto. However, similar activity is lacking as far as TJS chief is concerned as party ranks themselves are clueless about his constituency. Party activists and supporters are yet to start campaigning carrying Kodandaram’s photos in any segment till date.

It may be noted here that Congress had already sent feelers that they do not want Kodandaram to contest and limit himself to focusing on a single constituency. They want TJS chief to stay out of election fight, and instead oversee campaigning in all 119 segments on behalf of the alliance.

For doing this favour, Congress dropped hints of nominating Kodandaram as an MLC besides offering him the Deputy Chief Minister’s post. Against this backdrop, doubts are arising whether Kodandaram would enter election fray or not. If Kodandaram wishes to contest Parliament elections scheduled next summer or if he prefers an MLC seat to enter Telangana legislature, he might not contest forthcoming Assembly election at all.

When asked about the name of constituency from where he would contest, Kodandaram, on many occasions in the past, said that party would take a final call on it. However, TJS leaders say it is up to their chief to decide the choice.

This issue came up for discussion in the State committee meeting recently. Majority of them wanted Kodandaram to fight election as staying out would send wrong signals to party cadre. Leaders said Kodandaram could still focus on campaigning in rest of the State even after filing nomination from a particular segment. However, the meeting concluded without clarity on TJS chief Assembly segment.