Muslim vote crucial in Nandyal

Nandyal: The Muslim vote can become a crucial factor in Nandyal Lok Sabha seat in Kurnool district.

The constituency has the most minority votes, proportionally, in the undivided state after Hyderabad and the Telugu Desam is banking on this factor to take it past the finish line. The YSR Congress, meanwhile, is confident of the prospects of two-time MP and newcomer to the party, industrialist Mr S.P.Y. Reddy.

Bad roads and unfinished bridges greet visitors as they enter Nandyal, a constituency supplemented by excellent irrigational facilities unlike Kurnool, which is largely dry. Mr S.P.Y. Reddy shifted to the YSR Congress in the aftermath of the Congress’ decision to bifurcate the state. He has considerable clout in the region, heading the Nandi group of companies.

Against him once again is old foe and former minister, N.Md. Farooque. He lost the last two elections to Mr S.P.Y. Reddy, but is confident this time. YSRC chief Jagan Mohan Reddy is expected to campaign in the town on Monday, which could also boost Mr Reddy’s numbers.

The Muslim vote is important here with about 30 per cent of the 15-lakh strong electorate comprising minorities, next only to Hyderabad. Mr Reddy had won with a majority of about 80,000 votes last time in a triangular contest between the Congress, TD and the Chiranjeevi-led PR. However, the TD claims that it will get the PR votes this time.

Mr Farooque said, “Last time Praja Rajyam split our votes and took about 2 lakh votes and we lost by a margin of 80,000. But that will return to us this time. I have been here for the last 30 years and only during our time, there has been development. Nothing has happened in the last 10 years.” He added that the Modi factor will not cut his Muslim support as local issues are different.

Despite his assertion, Mr Modi can be a negative factor. A party worker at the local TD office said, “Modi is looking like a minus point. To what extent it will cause damage remains to be seen.”