The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : TDP hopes to cash in on sibling rivalry

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 26, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

TDP hopes to cash in on sibling rivalry

By D. Sreenivasulu

KURNOOL, APRIL 25. Arch rivals Bhuma Nagireddy (TDP) and Gangula Pratap Reddy (Congress) are ranged against each other once again in the Allagadda Assembly election. The two families have fought seven elections till now and Mr. Nagireddy and Mr. Pratap Reddy have clashed in two parliament elections. On both occasions, Mr. Nagireddy emerged the winner. Allagadda has the reputation of electing a `strongman' who has a profound impact on district politics. Though the two main contestants are well-versed with each other's strategies, the present battle is fought in a slightly different plane. Mr. Gangula Prabhakar Reddy, brother of Mr. Pratap Reddy had defected to the TDP, much to the dismay of the Congress camp.

When Mr. Prabhakar Reddy started campaigning for Mr. Nagireddy, he was greeted with boos by his former supporters, prompting him to leave for Hyderabad.

TDP leaders exploited the differences between the two brothers. A Congress leader, I. Rampulla Reddy, has refrained from supporting Mr. Pratap Reddy. The Congress too arranged the defection of former Zilla Parishad Chairman, P.P. Nagireddy, from the TDP to the Congress. Mr. Bhuma Nagireddy has consolidated his position in Allagadda, while Mr. Pratap Reddy has tried his best to regroup his supporters in villages.

Both organised shows of strength at the time of filing of nominations. During his campaign, Mr. Nagireddy projected the development facilitated by him and his wife, Sobharani, who is contesting from Nandyal parliamentary seat. On the other hand, Mr. Pratap Reddy harped on the impending water crisis in Rayalaseema region since "Telangana is given more importance."

According to him, Rayalaseema is likely to be neglected by the next Government, which in its enthusiasm to appease Telangana will allot it water at the cost of Rayalaseema. It is time for Rayalaseema to demand its share of water in rivers, Mr. Pratap Reddy said.

Agriculture has suffered in the last few years in Allagadda because of the closure of K.C. Canal. Farmers could not cultivate kharif paddy in the last three years. The real estate prices have declined from Rs 1.2 lakhs an acre to Rs 50,000. The shifting of bus station from the centre of Allagadda town to outskirts has also become an election issue. The decision to shift the bus station by the Bhuma family has drawn flak. A total of nine candidates are in the fray including seven independents.

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