The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Sweating it out for votes

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Saturday, May 17, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Sweating it out for votes

This poll is the most challenging one for former SCB vice-president J. Pratap

Photos: Mohd. Yousuf

EYE SORE: Many areas in the Secunderabad Cantonment Board need attention like this open drain at Balamrai slum. (Right) J. Pratap during his election campaign.

HYDERABAD: Jampana Pratap (51), arguably the most popular politician of Secunderabad Cantonment, is sweating it out. And it shows in his lean frame, the result of all the walkathons he has been doing of late for the civic polls.

“My clothes have become loose. But, electioneering is all over now. It is up to the people,” he smiles.

The current election could be the most challenging one for this former vice-president of Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB).

To begin with, he had to shift from his traditional base of ward number one once it got reserved for women.

New ward

He had to scout for another ward (three) while also ensuring the original bastion remains his. “I could take all my supporters along with me only if either I or my wife contests. She was most reluctant initially but after much persuasion from many she consented,” he explains.

Three in a row

The forthcoming poll on May 18 will be Mr. Pratap’s fourth election and he has the distinction of having won three consecutive terms from ward one beginning from 1992.

Key support

A shot in the arm has been another veteran politician of ward three, Nawab Mahmood Khan, lending his support.

“People from different places have come forward to support me including Mr. Khan. Many employees also reside here,” he says, on his choice. There are 19,422 voters with a significant minority population.

“The problems of areas here like Karkhana, Balamrai, Gun Rock Enclave, etc., are the same as everywhere in the cantonment -- insufficient drinking water supply, lack of proper roads and sewerage, streetlights. Daily drinking water supply will be a reality soon and each household including those in slums will get a tap connection,” he promises.

Promises

The other issue is constructing houses for the poor and pensions. “There won’t be a single eligible beneficiary whether widow or old age without a pension, three per cent interest scheme will be made available once I am elected,” promises Mr. Pratap, known to be amiable and accessible.

Jumping parties

His image and work is such that he jumping parties, Congress-Telugu Desam Party-Congress, made little dent on his political career.

Mr. Pratap’s big job is not only to win in ward number one and three but also exert his influence in at least three other wards so that he can take a shot at the vice-president’s post as it is elected from among the eight members.

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