Date:19/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/19/stories/2008041953880400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Triangular fight in Medak district

Staff Reporter

The 3 major players are going all out to wrest the seats in the district

Sangareddy: With all the three major political parties either announcing or shortlisting prominent leaders as candidates for the ensuing byelections slated for May 29, a keen fight is in the offing for all the three Assembly segments in Medak district.

While the Telangana Rashtra Samithi has already declared to renominate T.Harish Rao, Padma Devender Reddy and Solipeta Ramalinga Reddy for Siddipet, Ramayampet and Dommata, respectively, the Telugu Desam is said have zeroed in on former Minister and Telugu Rytu State president, Cheruku Mutyam Reddy, for Dommata and district TDP president Mainampalli Hanmantha Rao for Ramayampet.

On the other hand, the names of former Ramayampet MLA Vithal Reddy, Bandi Narsa Goud, Farook Hussain, Swami Charan and Shyam Mohan reportedly came in for mention at the Congress headquarters in Hyderabad on Friday for Ramayampet, Dommata and Siddipet, respectively.

While the TRS has already completed Asheervada Yatra in the district, covering the three constituencies after the resignation of the three legislators, the Congress responded with a massive public meeting in Ramayampet. The TDP which has a strong presence in Dommata.

The CPI(M) has improved its presence in the district with the Bhoo Poratam but party sources confirmed that it is in no mood to contest in Medak district.

The Congress has already appointed three Ministers as in charges to the three segments in the district.