KARIMNAGAR: The Congress is all set to occupy the Karimnagar Zilla Parishad Chief post with the support of its allies Telangana Rashtra Samiti and Communist Party of India.

Leads available till Tuesday evening for the 57 mandals indicate that the Congress is likely to bag 25 ZPTC seats followed by TDP in 24, TRS in five, CPI in two and one independent.

During the last three elections, the TDP had occupied the ZP Chairman post twice and TRS won the post in the last elections with the support of BJP and Congress ZPTC member. In spite of a huge pro-Telangana wave in the 2001 local bodies elections, the TRS could win from only 22 ZPTCs and secured the ZP with the support of five BJP and one Congress ZPTC member who defied the party whip. In 2001, the Congress secured 19 ZPTCs, TDP nine and CPI one.

The TDP made surprise inroads into the stronghold of Sports Minister, M. Satyanarayana Rao by bagging the Karimnagar and Manakondur ZPTCs leaving Timmapur ZPTC to Congress in Mr. Rao's constituency.

Despite setback

On the other hands, the Congress swept the ZPTC seats in Manthani Assembly segment represented by Government Whip D. Sridhar. The Congress is leading in all seven ZPTC seats in the constituency, though it suffered a setback in the MPTC elections.

The TDP's ZP chief candidate and former Minister, Suddala Devaiah, is leading. The ZP top post is reserved for SCs. The Congress is yet to finalise its candidate.

Anti-incumbency factor and high turnout by women voters also made a dent in the Congress votes.

The TRS show was not up to the mark as it could win only five out of the 13 ZPTCs, which was allotted to it by the Congress. The CPI improved its tally by bagging two seats while the BJP is yet to open its account.

BJP show

Bharatiya Janata Party has made its presence felt by winning from two ZPTCs in Karimnagar district, reports said on Wednesday.

Srikumar, a close relative of former Union Minister Ch. Vidyasagar Rao won from Konaraopeta mandal and Jayalaxmi won from Kathalapur mandal.

It may be recalled that the party had won five ZPTC seats in 2001 and all five members supported TRS in the election of ZP Chairman. Party candidates are also securing leads in 25 MPTC posts in the district.

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