TRS to woo Andhra Pradesh voters

Hyderabad: As part of its operation “SA Akarshan” (attract people from Seemandhra) in Hyderabad and Telangana, the TRS leadership is trying to woo Seemandhra communities to win the GHMC election besides the Assembly bypoll in Sanathnagar Assembly constituency represented by commercial taxes minister T. Srinivas Yadav.

Mr Yadav, roads and buildings minister Tummala Nageswara Rao and others have been holding meetings with community members including the powerful Kamma businessmen, seeking their support for the party in the ensuing elections.

“What do you get in defeating TRS nominees? You are living in Hyderabad. We will ensure full protection and support to you. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekar Rao has made it clear that the party has no ill will towards Seemandhra people living here; he is against leaders who looted Telangana,” a TRS leader reportedly said during a community meeting in Sanathnagar Assembly constituency.

Meetings are being held in apartments, with groups of people from Seemandhra. “There is a general belief that Seemandhra people would vote for the Telugu Desam-BJP combine as they hate the TRS. The TD’s victory in the 2014 election in the state is a pointer. But a series of meetings and the recent Cantonment polls has seen a change in them too,” said a TRS MLA.

According to some TRS leaders, the CM’s six-hour tour of Ramoji Film City and meeting with Mr Ramoji Rao has sent a positive signal in the Seemandhra community. The TRS leadership reportedly has even undertaken a survey to ascertain public mood  after the induction of Mr Nageswara Rao, Mr Yadav and Mr Rao Rao’s visit to Ramoji city. While GHMC elections are still a long way off, by-elections to the Sanathnagar Assembly seat will be held once the resignation of Mr Yadav is accepted by the Speaker.

Before taking oath as minister, Mr Yadav had resigned from the primary membership of Telugu Desam and the Sanathnagar MLA seat. GHMC has 150 municipal divisions spread over 24 Assembly constituencies covering the city and neighbouring districts. In 2009, the Congress had won 52 seats, TD 45, MIM 43, BJP five, and PR one besides four independents. The TRS had nil. Out of 24 Assembly constituencies in the GHMC area, TD has nine MLAs, BJP five, MIM seven and TRS three.