TJS to contest from Hyd, Khammam, Mahabubabad

Hyderabad: Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) fielded candidates from three Lok Sabha segments - Hyderabad, Khammam and Mahabubabad.

All the three TJS candidates from the shortlisted segments rushed to file nominations after the party made this announcement on the afternoon of Monday, the last day for filing of nominations.

TJS zeroed in on Advocate Qavi Abbasi for Hyderabad seat, Homeopathy Doctor G Shankar Rao from Khammam and M Arun Kumar, a research scholar from Kakatiya University for Mahabubabad segment.

However, the three Lok Sabha segments declared by the party on Monday are different from the earlier announced names. TJS chief Kodandaram on March 13 said that his party would contest in four segments, three of which were Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Malkajgiri.

Explaining reasons for changing the constituencies, Kodandaram said that in meetings and deliberations held later with party functionaries across the State it was decided to contest in segments where the party does not stand to lose and also prospects of their friendly alliance not get affected.

Kodandaram said that TJS would support the Congress candidates in the remaining 14 Lok Sabha segments.

The TJS also released manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections that was prepared with some additions made to its earlier manifesto released during the recent assembly polls.

Reforms in administration, social justice, empowerment and equality, employment, education and health, agriculture, basic facilities, infrastructure and industry, culture and traditions, safeguarding environment are some of the key issues and sectors on top of the party agenda.

Meanwhile, commenting on defections in State politics, Kodandaram said that it was not good for democracy and such strategies would backfire ultimately with people teaching a fitting lesson to the party that encourages them.

He said largescale defections were seen earlier in 1967 and the same scenario is being seen at present in Telangana.