KARIMNAGAR: Although the byelection to the Karimnagar Lok Sabha seat centres around Telangana sentiment, political parties are leaving no stone unturned to woo caste groups and improve their prospects.

Weavers constitute the largest segment of voters in Karimnagar while Muslims, Vysyas, Scheduled Castes and Gouds are among the segments that have sufficient numbers to tilt the result. Telugu Desam Party candidate L. Ramana, who belongs to the weaver community, is banking on the votes of his kinsmen. Congress is also trying to attract this section by highlighting the Government's welfare schemes for weavers .

Senior TDP leader T. Devender Goud is also meeting leaders of the Goud community. As a counter, the Congress has roped in its Nizamabad MP Madhu Yashki Goud. The District Goud Sangham and the Goud Officials and Professionals Association have announced their support to Congress.

In order to cash in on the 1.2 lakh Vysya votes, AICC member and Vysya leader, Kolleti Damodar organised a `Vysya Shankaravam' here on Sunday to rally his community leaders. Congress admitted TDP's district treasurer and Vysya community leader, N. Madhusudhan into its fold.

Targeting Yadavas

Agriculture Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy recently attended a meeting organised by the District Kuruma and Yadava Sangham to garner its support. The Congress is also wooing the Madigas by promising to resolve the Scheduled Caste categorisation issue. To seek the support of about 1.7 lakh Muslim voters, the Congress has succeeded in getting MIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, MP, to campaign for it in the elections.

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