Hyderabad: In a dramatic development, balladeer Gaddar announced on Thursday that he would contest as an independent candidate against caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao from the Gajwel Assembly constituency in the forthcoming elections.
Earlier, Gaddar had offered to contest against Mr Rao if all Opposition parties supported him. It is not clear if the Mahakutami will back him. Congress leader and former MLA Vanteru Pratap Reddy plans to contest from Gajwel as the Opposition candidate. The CPM-led Bahujana Front has extended its support to Gaddar.
Speaking to mediapersons, Gaddar said he had written to TS Director General of Police (DGP) for police protection during the campaign. He said he would begin canvassing after he receives a reply from the police.
Gaddar said he would campaign in the tribal tandas to bring awareness about the value of vote.
If Gaddar and Mr Pratap Reddy both contest from Gajwel, it will help the TRS as the votes against the ruling party will get divided. Sources said Mahakutami leaders may speak with Gaddar and persuade him not to contest as it would help the TRS. Gaddar is critical of the TRS government and is supporting the Mahakutami.
