Where are the new faces? Parties trying to play safe

HYDERABAD: With every single constituency becoming crucial in a three-cornered contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Telangana, Congress, BJP and BRS are not taking any chances and hesitating to experiment with new faces or young leaders this time round.
In key constituencies like Khammam, Secunderabad, Malkajgiri, Bhongir, Karimnagar and Peddapalli, dozens of new leaders are queueing up for tickets, but the parties seem to be zeroing in on senior leaders.Insiders said this is one of the main reasons why the parties are not able to finalise the candidates for all the 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state so far.

Some senior leaders, while backing out of the race, are trying to get tickets for their sons and daughters and relatives with a promise that they would ensure their sure-shot win. Legislative council chairman Gutha Sukender Reddy’s son Amit Reddy, who initially was touted as a BRS candidate, is now trying to secure a Congress ticket from Bhongir. But, Congress has remained cagey over fielding him from Bhongir. BJP has named former MP Boora Narsaiah Goud, while BRS is still looking around for a suitable candidate.
In Khammam, deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka’s wife Nandini and minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy’s brother Prasada Reddy are in the race. Businessman V Rajendra Prasad, a fresh face, is using all his contacts seeking an opportunity to contest from Khammam, but Congress is reportedly hesitating to field him.
Secunderabad scenario is no different. BRS gave the ticket to ex-minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav’s son Sai Kiran Yadav last time. But this time, the party is looking out for a senior leader like T Padma Rao to take on BJP candidate, Union minister G Kishan Reddy. Though an educationist sought a ticket, Congress chose Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender, who quit BRS and joined the party recently.
Another educationist tried for a BJP ticket from Malkajgiri but the party went ahead and named senior leader Eatala Rajender. BRS fielded senior leader Ragidi Laxma Reddy, who is contesting for the first time in Lok Sabha polls. Congress selected Sunitha Mahender Reddy.