The political atmosphere in Telangana has been once again heated up with the resignation of sitting MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy from his Munugode assembly seat and his defection from the Congress to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Battle lines have already been drawn in Munugode, even before the Election Commission of India has taken any call on conducting the by-election to the vacant seat. It is likely that the by-poll will be held in October last week or November first week.
While it is pretty clear that Rajagopal will be contesting on the BJP ticket in the by-poll, the two other main contenders – the Telangana Rashtra Samithi and the Congress are yet to announce the candidates.
Particularly, the Congress party is struggling to find a suitable candidate to contest the by-election in Munugode, since Rajagopal is a strong leader in the constituency and there is nobody who can match up to him either in money power or in popularity.
There has been no second rung leadership in the constituency as the entire area in Nalgonda district has been under the domination of Komatireddy brothers.
There are a couple of leaders like Palvai Rajani, daughter of former Munugode MLA late Palvai Goverdhan Reddy, but they have no backing of the local cadre, who shifted their loyalties to Rajagopal.
Under these circumstances, the Congress high command called for a meeting of senior leaders to New Delhi on Monday to discuss the strategy for Munugode. They held meeting with Priyanka Gandhi, who told them to gear up for the by-poll by finalising the candidate within a week.
Reports from New Delhi indicate that the high command has made a suggestion that Pradesh Congress Committee president A Revanth Reddy himself should contest the Munugode by-poll.
There are several reasons for the same: first, Revanth is the only one who can match Rajagopal in popularity and financial capability. Secondly, if he contests, it will be a big morale booster for the party cadre, who can work with more commitment and dedication.
Thirdly, it will send a strong message that the Congress is taking the fight seriously, instead of leaving the battle to the TRS and the BJP. Fourthly, Rajagopal cannot match Revanth in public speeches and mass appeal.
However, on the flip side, if Revanth loses the by-poll, it will be a big setback for his plans to become the next chief minister.
Secondly, it will send a message that when he cannot win even a by-poll, he has no capacity to lead the party to victory in the next elections.
Thirdly, it will give a scope for Revanth’s detractors and seniors to raise their voice against him and demand his resignation from the PCC chief post.
So, it is a tricky situation for Revanth!
