New Twist in Narayankhed bye-elections

Even before EC declares the bye-elections schedule for Narayankhed assembly constituency that was necessitated with Congress MLA Krishna Reddy’s sudden death, unexpected developments are taking place in the political circles.

Congress plans to field Krishna Reddy’s son Sanjeev Reddy from there. So, it appeals TRS and other parties to let him elect unopposed following the tradition of leaving the seat to diseased family. But, TRS rejected its appeal and is preparing to field its own candidate. But, it got a shock from none other than its candidate Sanjeev Reddy. He is planning to leave the party and join TRS, if it agrees to give him ticket for contesting these bye-elections.

While it would be a big shock for the Congress party, it would be an advantage for TRS. He is considered to be a winning horse, because of sympathy wave. Hence, Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao positively reacted to his proposal. But, TRS leader Bhupal Reddy, who once contested from this constituency, is opposing Sanjeev Reddy’s entry into TRS party, because of his political rivalry with late Krishna Reddy and his followers. So, Sanjeev Reddy’s entry into TRS party remains undecided.

After seeing these developments, Congress party now wants to offer the ticket to former MP Suresh Patkar instead of Sanjeev Reddy. Congress realizes that even if Sanjeev Reddy changes his mind and wants to stick to the party, he may jump into TRS party after winning the elections. Hence, instead of wasting its efforts on him it would be better to field someone who is loyal to party and wants to stick to party. So, Congress party is now considering Suresh Patkar’s name for these bye-elections.