Khammam: It will be for the first time in Khammam parliamentary constituency that TRS will give a big fight to the Congress. TRS was not the main contender in 2014 election and did not figure in 2004 and 2009 elections. The party started gaining strength in Khammam only after Mr Tummala Nageswara Rao joined the TRS from Telugu Desam. The people of Khammam considered TRS as sub-regional party and preferred TD to it. In 2018 Assembly elections, TRS had not fared well and had won only one Assembly segment, Khammam. But now, TRS is challenging Congress with full gusto.
Mr Nama Nageswara Rao contested from TD in Khammam Assembly elections and lost to TRS candidate Mr Puvvada Ajay. He joined TRS from TD just 40 days ago. The rank and file of TD are opposing Mr Rao. Despite these odds, TRS is giving a fitting reply to Congress in Kothagudem, Sattupalli, Wyra and Aswaraopet segments.
The support of two Congress MLAs from Palair and Kothagudem and independent from Wyra apart for TRS MLA from Khammam has been a great advantage to Mr Nama Nageswara Rao, who has massive financial resources.
Congress, on the other hand, has a traditional vote bank in Khammam apart from the strong cadre support in the constituency. Firebrand Renuka Chowdhary is an asset to the party. The Renuka camp is hoping that the internal squabbles in TRS may help her win. The common man’s understanding is that no leader in TRS camp like Mr Tummala Nageswara Rao, Mr Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy and Mr Ajay will be happy with Mr Nama Nageswara Rao’s candidature.
Congress leaders had a ray of hope that these differences will add to the might of their party candidate. Mr Rayala Nageswara Rao, a Congress leader in Palair segment said, “We have a discipline cadre and a committed vote bank. We hope that these two things will give us a win in Khammam.”
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