VISAKHAPATNAM: Supporters of Telugu Desam and the Congress celebrated the victory of their candidates, Dadi Veerabhadra Rao and Kidari Sarveswara Rao in the elections to the Legislative Council from the district's Local Authorities constituency on Friday on a large scale.

There was reason for the celebrations as in the case of Mr. Veerabhadra Rao it was a success the senior leader had tasted since his defeat in the last Assembly elections and as an MLC he gained an official status again .

For Mr. Sarveswara Rao, the victory was a relief after some uneasy moments were caused by rebel candidate K. Kumara Phani Varma, who however made his point clear, that there was discontent among the party cadre about the functioning of the district-level leaders, by garnering as many as 120 votes.

DCC president and Parawada MLA, Gandi Babji, who is a close associate of Minister Konathala Ramakrishna was present at the counting as Mr. Sarveswara Rao's agent. TDP's rural unit president Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy was the agent for Mr. Veerabhadra Rao.

There were many tribals among the Congress supporters that gathered near Swarna Bharati indoor stadium where the counting was held, to celebrate Mr. Sarveswara Rao's victory. A troupe of Dhimsa dancers was called from the agency area to participate in the celebrations. The Congress supporters took out a victory rally with Mr. Sarveswara Rao and Mr. Babji leading them in an open jeep. As soon as the result was announced TDP MLAs Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu, Chengala Venkata Rao and Ganta Srinivasa Rao along with former MLA R.S.D.P.A.N. Raju and Visakha Dairy Chairman Adari Tulasi Rao came to the counting centre to congratulate Mr. Veerabhadra Rao.

A grand reception was accorded to Mr. Veerabhadra Rao on his arrival at his native town Anakapalle. As he was reaching Anakapalle party supporters stopped his vehicle at Kotturu and Sirasapalli villages to congratulate him. As he reached his house in Gavarapalem, a large number of party workers and supporters greeted Mr. Veerabhadra Rao. Expecting his success, party workers started celebrating Mr. Rao's victory since morning. Workers of jaggery market distributed sweets. Mr. Veerabhadra Rao participated in a motorcycle rally in the town organised by his supporters.

Prayers offered

He offered prayers at the Paradesmma, Santoshimatha and Sai Baba temples in the town before garlanding N.T. Rama Rao's statue at Nehru Chowk.

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