Advantage PRP in Mangalagiri

CPI(M) hopeful of winning Sattenapalle with TDP’s support

PRP considering names of Sankroti Rama Rao, Jankai

Even before the race for Mangalagiri Assembly Constituency begins, for which nominations are being accepted from Saturday, the fight between Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist) hotted up confusing all the political parties and voters. All this points to an advantage to Praja Rajyam Party.

While CPI was able to bag the seat in a deal struck at the stroke of Midnight with its Grand Alliance Big Brother Telugu Desam Party, the CPI-M does not want to lose its claim for the seat and does not want to settle for the Sattenapalle constituency. The CPI has already issued the ‘B’ Form to its nominee Mupalla Nageswara Rao, party Guntur district secretary and arrived at Guntur on Saturday night.

The CPI does not have another option as the only alternative it has, -- Vinukonda -- has been taken by the TDP by announcing the name of G.V. Anjaneyulu as its candidate. The CPI(M), which has some considerable cadre in Sattenapalle can win the seat with the support of the TDP, the CPI leaders feel. The CPI(M) district secretary D. Rama Devi, who is the likely candidate if it were given to them told reporters on Saturday that they would not give up their claim and might even decide to have a friendly contest if need be.

Party Central leaders, meeting in Hyderabad, would however give the final decision on Sunday and meanwhile, the party activists here are angry with TDP president Nara Chandrababu Naidu for taking a unilateral decision without inviting the CPI-M leaders. With CPI-M and CPI engaged in a `friendly fight’ it will be the PRP taking the advantage as majority of Congress cadre also have migrated to the new party.

The four-time CPI Candidate D. Srikrishna from Mangalagiri had won twice. “Mr. Srinivas was in the opposition after winning in 1972 and lost in 1978 and after 30 years (6 general elections later) the CPI cadre will be in a position to vote on its party symbol,” party nominee told The Hindu in a euphoric voice. The party on its own, however, has some support base only in Pedavadlapudi, Chinakakani and Nutakki. The CPI-M also has very meager party base with together able to cobble-up a little over 20,000 voters.

Praja Rajyam Party is considering the name of Sankroti Rama Rao, party district convener or Janaki, daughter of former Chirala MPP .