Anantapur: Candidate selection for the Telugu Desam in Hindupur Lok Sabha constituency will be a tough task for the party leadership as it has promised several leaders to allot the ticket for the 2024 polls.
Hindupur is likely to have BC candidates for both TD and YSRC.
The YSRC had reportedly finalised its candidate from the Kuruba section by replacing sitting MP Gorantla Madhav who got involved in some controversial issues. But, for the TD ticket, leaders from different BC sections are in the race.
Former minister Nimmala Kristappa, the only leader from the weavers community from Rayalaseema region, had been given priority for the past four elections. In the last LS elections, Kristappa was fielded for the Lok Sabha but was defeat by the YSRC candidate. The weavers community dominates Dharmavaram, Somandepalli and Hindupur towns and several rural areas depending on their silk sari business -- the top moneyspinner after groundnut, due to its marketing in other states and exports to markets abroad.
Interestingly, Kristappa was seriously trying for the Penukonda assembly ticket though party incharge BK Parthasarathi was firm on contesting the assembly polls there, or he would prefer an MP seat.
Former MLC Gundumala Thippeswamy of Madakasira area has been actively leading the party in his segment and taking part in party programmes in Hindupur Lok Sabha area.
Sources said the high command promised him an LS seat in previous elections but denied the ticket. This time, he hopes to get the priority.
Thippeswamy, the only leader from the Yadava community, has been seeking a ticket from the region.
Another senior leader Lakshmi Narayana, a native of Hindupur, is confident about the MP ticket because he is from the Boya community, the deciding factor in any polls in several parts of Rayalaseema region.
At present, Kalava Srinivasulu was the only TD leader and acting incharge from Rayadurg assembly segment while the YSRC has Anantapur MP, T Rangaiah, and minister Gummanur Jayaram from Kurnool district.
The Boya community has been mounting pressure on the TD high command for top priority to it in Satya Sai district also as the Hindupur Lok Sabha seat can be given to them.
Similarly, former MP Ramachandra Reddy’s daughter Deepika from Penukonda is making serious efforts for a ticket. She has been running the NTR Anna Canteen for many months and leading the party activities. She is in the race for either an assembly or LS seat.
Political analysts say the TD high command is faced with tough situations while finalising its candidates for the Hindupur LS constituency and even for a few assembly segments. There are also chances of non-cooperation from other aspirants if they are denied tickets.
