Venkateshwarlu Kolishetty Hyderabad

Theruling Congress party finds itself on a tough wicket regarding candidate selection for the upcoming Graduate MLC elections in the Nalgonda-Khammam-Warangal and Hyderabad-Ranga Reddy-Mahabubnagar constituencies.

The party leadership is actively weighing social justice considerations against the winning ability of potential nominees. For the Nalgonda-Khammam-Warangal constituency, candidate in-charge and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has reportedly shortlisted Patel Ramesh Reddy, Dr Lokesh Yadav, Gutta Amit Reddy, Ramreddy Sarvotham Reddy, Chanagani Dayakar, and Ponguleti Prasad Reddy for consideration by the high command. Similarly, Health Minister Damodara Rajanarsimha, overseeing candidate selection for the Hyderabad-Ranga Reddy-Mahabubnagar constituency, has shortlisted Manne Jeevan Reddy, Sama Rammohan Reddy, Gauri Satish, Harshavardhan Reddy, Shivasena Reddy, and Bodanapalli Venugopal Reddy.

Although the All India Congress Committee will finalize the selection, state leaders face a severe dilemma over whether to prioritize social representation or electoral prospects across these two critical seats. Both constituencies span vast geographical expanses, with Nalgonda-Khammam-Warangal covering 34 Assembly segments and Hyderabad-Ranga Reddy-Mahabubnagar comprising 53 Assembly segments. Nominees must establish an extensive campaign network to connect with thousands of graduate voters across multiple districts. Internal party discussions are exploring various social combinations. Some leaders advocate allotting one seat to an open-category candidate and the other to a Backward Classes representative. Conversely, another section suggests fielding open-category candidates for both graduate seats while compensating Backward Classes later through upcoming Governor-quota MLC vacancies.

With three Governor-quota MLC seats expected to fall vacant soon, leaders believe those positions could accommodate broader social representation demands. However, another internal perspective argues that candidates with strong winning prospects can be identified from Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minority communities provided the party conducts a thorough exercise to back them with organizational resources. Recognizing the political significance of these Graduate MLC elections to consolidate its regional standing, the Congress leadership is handling the selection process with extreme care.

Party leaders are pushing for an early announcement to give candidates sufficient time to mobilize voters, establish campaign networks, and coordinate with local party machinery. A final decision from the Congress high command is expected shortly as deliberations continue on balancing social equity with electoral viability.