The Hindu : Congress-CPI(M) showdown likely

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 16, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Congress-CPI(M) showdown likely

By S. Ramu

NALGONDA, MARCH 15. A major showdown seems to be imminent between the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Nalgonda district, a stronghold of the Opposition parties.

In a sudden development that would hamper Opposition unity, the CPI (M) district Committee has decided to field its candidates in Nakrekal, Nalgonda and Miryalaguda Assembly segments.

In a communication sent to the State Committee, it proposed the names of Nomula Narasimhaiah, Nandhayla Narasmiha Reddy and Julaknati Ranga Reddy for the three seats respectively.

Speaking to The Hindu on Monday, the CPI (M) district secretary, Cherupalli Sitaramulu, said that the party's district committee and secretariat had unanimously decided to send a proposal to the State committee in this regard.

The party was unable to come to terms with the Congress high command's "unilateral announcement'' of its candidate for the Miryalaguda Lok Sabha constituency.

"They have done so by completely disregarding the consultation process among the Opposition parties and the Congress candidates have launched their campaign in the Assembly segments even before an understanding is reached. In this backdrop, we asked our State Committee to clear the three names to step up the campaign,'' he said.

Mr. Sitaramulu said the party was also prepared to field a candidate for the Miryalaguda Lok Sabha seat against the AICC spokesperson, S.Jaipal Reddy, and it was also contemplating fielding candidates for a couple of Assembly segments in the constituency.

"We appeal to all parties which want to see the defeat of the TDP-BJP combine at the hustings to extend their support to the CPI (M) candidates,'' he said holding the Congress responsible for the present fiasco.

The Telanagana Rastra Samithi is drawing its sword against the CPI (M) in all the three Assembly segments. The TRS leadership reportedly asked Tippana Vijayasimha Reddy, Banda Narender Reddy and Cheruku Sudhakar to get ready to jump into the fray for Miryalaguda, Nalgonda and Nakrekal respectively.

Except Mr.Sudhakar, both leaders already touring in their respective constituencies and addressing public meetings in villages lambasting the CPI (M) State secretary, B.V.Raghavulu "for having failed to consider the Telangana sentiment in the region.''

However, the Congress candidates exude confidence that the TRS would stay away from the competition to pave the way for them in tune with the understanding at the higher level.

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