Telangana Congress faces revolt over last-minute candidate changes

HYDERABAD: Telangana Congress has been facing revolts from its own ranks in the last one month, after the party changed candidates for several constituencies. The most notable changes were in Wanaparthy, Boath, Patancheru, and Narayankhed constituencies.

In Wanaparthy, the party initially named former Minister G Chinna Reddy as its candidate, but later replaced him with T Megha Reddy. This change sparked protests from Chinna Reddy's supporters, who alleged that the party leadership had sold the ticket to Megha Reddy. Supporters of Chinna Reddy they threatened to resign en masse, but were convinced to stay by party leaders.

In Boath, the Congress initially named Vannela Ashok as its candidate, but later replaced him with Ade Gajender. This change also drew the ire of Ashok's supporters, who accused the party leadership of ignoring their leader's hard work and dedication.

In Patancheru, the Congress initially named Neelam Madhu Mudiraj as its candidate but later replaced him with Katta Sreenivas Goud after an uproar. On Friday, Mudiraj threw his weight and finally filed his nomination from the constituency on a BSP ticket.

Narayankhed’s candidate was also changed by the party leadership. The ticket which initially allotted to Suresh Shetkar was then handed over to Sanjeev Reddy.

The Congress leadership defended the candidate changes stating that they were made in the best interests of the party citing survey reports. However, the revolts raised concerns about the party's unity which could dent its chances of winning the upcoming elections.

Over the last one month Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Revanth Reddy has been accused of lack of transparency in the candidate selection process. The sudden candidate changes have left many party workers and leaders feeling aggrieved.

There were allegations by many aspirants that Revanth Reddy had sold tickets to candidates in exchange for money or other favours. This has led to resentment among party workers and leaders, who felt that hard work and dedication were not rewarded.

Many disgruntled party workers and leaders openly stated that they would campaign against the candidates or even contest the elections as independents. This could split the Congress vote and help the opposition.