By U Srinivas
The TRS has tough time in Vikarabad, as the deciding
factor seems to be ‘who will pay more for each vote’
Wind is not blowing in favour of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) in Vikarabad Assembly constituency. All said and done, the by-election to Vikarabad is going to be a litmus test for the TRS to prove its existence in Ranga Reddy district.For the first time, TRS candidate Dr A Chandrasekhar is facing a tough time, what with the Congress spending all its energies in defeating him and the Telugu Desam regaining its strength. Notwithstanding the Telangana sentiment among the people, the TRS is in a defensive position, as Dr Chandrasekhar’s credibility has hit the rock bottom in the last four years.
Though Dr Chandrasekhar is campaigning in a strategic manner by mustering support from pro-Telangana forces in other parties, Congress candidate G Prasad Kumar is getting tremendous response from the people, thanks to personal involvement of Minister for Mines Sabita Indra Reddy, who has taken this election as a prestige issue. The recent visit of Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy has definitely bolstered the prospects of the Congress.
TD candidate B Sanjeeva Rao, too, is giving Dr Chandrasekhar a run for his money. Sanjeeva Rao’s wife Madhuraveni lost the 2004 elections with a slender margin of 2,000 votes to Dr Chandrasekhar. Moreover, Sanjeeva Rao is a known figure in Vikarabad and hence has a fair chance of victory. Former Home Minister T Devender Goud has taken it upon himself to ensure victory for the TD.
Money is expected to play a crucial role in the polls. Janakamma, a house wife, said it all depended on who would spend more money. “Earlier Dr Chandrasekhar spent a lot of money and won the election. Now, Prasad is also spending,” she said, but refused to reveal whom she would vote for.
Md Sheik Basha, a bicycle shop owner of Gandhi Colony, however, said that one could not underestimate Dr Chandrasekhar. “He would spend money lavishly to win the election. The Congress and TD, too, are equally strong. Abhi nahi bol sakthe, kuchbee ho saktha,” he remarked.
S Raghaviah, a farmer, said the TRS could win the elections last time because of the Congress support. Now that both had parted ways, the Congress had fair chances of winning, he said. Echoing similar opinion, Narsamma, an agriculture labourer, said the Congress had the capability to fulfill its promises like providing underground drainage system in Vikarabad. “The TRS cannot do anything without the support of the Congress,” she said.
Majority of the voters in the constituency were talking about money. They are of the view that whoever spends more money would come out with flying colours. Some of the voters are eagerly waiting for distribution of liquor before the polls.
Its all lesson to Mr. A. Chandra Sekhar. Other than earning for himself what didi he do to Vikarabad. On other End city is spreading up till Sangarddy and jadcherla as a result of prestigious projects. Being Vikarabad a place to develop has been neglected by this most corrupted politician. He should retire now like KCR. We people of Vikarabad will never ever vote for chandrasekhar again.