16 aspirants in fray for two Rajya Sabha seats from Telangana
HYDERABAD: With one day left for filing nominations, 16 aspirants are in the fray for two Rajya Sabha seats from Telangana. The contest has turned into an intense political exercise within the Congress.
Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president B Mahesh Kumar Goud confirmed that 16 leaders have staked claim for the two vacancies.
“During Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the District Congress Committee chiefs’ training camp in Vikarabad on Monday, we discussed the Rajya Sabha candidate selection at the airport,” he said. “We submitted a list of 16 aspirants to Rahul Gandhi.”
The list includes leaders from diverse social backgrounds. Four aspirants belong to Backward Classes communities.
“The selection process is in the final stage. We expect the party to announce the names late Tuesday night or on Wednesday,” he added.
AICC may split choice with CM
Sources said the All India Congress Committee (AICC) may name one candidate directly. It may allow Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to choose the second nominee. Sources also said Revanth may fly to Delhi on Wednesday to finalise the names.
Leaders in contention include Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Justice B Sudershan Reddy, Vem Narender Reddy, V Hanumanth Rao, Anantula Shyam Mohan, G Chinna Reddy, Ch Vamshi Chand Reddy, Madhu Yaskhi Goud, Dr P Vinay Kumar, Dommati Sambaiah, C Rohin Reddy and Mohammed Ali Shabbir.
Mahesh Goud said Singhvi remains a frontrunner. However, he clarified that the AICC will take the final call.
On speculation about Justice Reddy, he said discussions are under way. He added that the former Supreme Court judge has not formally sought the nomination.
Vinay presses claim for promised berth
Senior gastroenterologist and Samvidhan Bachao Committee chairman Dr Vinay Kumar has sought fulfilment of the party’s commitment made during his return to the Congress.
Recently, TPCC disciplinary action committee vice-chairman Shyam Mohan met AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. He pressed his claim and highlighted his nearly five-decade association with the party.
