Major parties locked in triangular contest

Secunderabad: Secunderabad Assembly constituency is witnessing a keen fight between three major party candidates: the ruling TRS party, represented by the sitting MLA T Padma Rao Goud, Grand Alliance (GA) candidate Kasani Gnaneshwar and BJP candidate Bandapalli Satish. All the parties have already intensified their campaigns and geared up for the fight.

The TRS party candidate has been campaigning since last one month and seems to be ahead of other candidates in terms of reaching out to voters. After winning elections in 2014, he strove to build 10,000 double-bedroom houses in his constituency and tried to acquire railway land for the houses but his efforts went futile. Only 400 houses in each division are currently being constructed. Although he was successful in getting funds sanctioned for many developmental activities, he could not initiate most of them. The constituency has become a stronghold for the party, as it has won as many as five corporators in the last GHMC elections. However, many lower-rung party workers are dissatisfied with him because he could not get any posts or positions for them.

Congress candidate Kasani Gnaneshwar, although delayed in declaring as the party candidate, has been successful in convincing all the rebel candidates to withdraw from the contest. He maintained good relations with voters of the constituency, as he had contested from here earlier as Mana Party candidate. Being from Mudiraj community, he has distinct advantage over other candidates as the constituency has significant number of voters from the community. However, his limited experience in direct elections may pose problems for him. But, with all the GA leaders extending support to him, he may prove to be a strong contender for his opponents.

BJP candidate Bandapalli Satish started his campaign well in advance, as he was confident of getting the party ticket. He has been touring the constituency extensively and is in touch with the voters. Even though he is new to the constituency, he managed to be in limelight because of his social services. He has been conducting social services through Akheesha Foundation. Satish has been trying to impress voters of his constituency describing himself as an educated person who would not compromise on matters of development. He hopes that the strong BJP cadre and incumbency factor against the sitting MLA helps him win the seat. His wife, Rajitha, is also actively campaigning for him. She has been busy in her campaign explaining voters about various central government schemes and appealing to the voters to vote for the BJP.