Nizamabad: Farmers stick to their guns, refuse to withdraw papers
On the first day of withdrawal of nominations, no withdrawal was reported either from political parties or from Independents.
Nizamabad: Not a single farmer came forward to withdraw their nominations for the Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency election, on Wednesday. Of the 245 nominations that were received, officials declared 189 nominations as valid and 14 nominations were rejected for various reasons. Withdrawal of nominations will conclude on March 28.
There are three candidates from recognised national and state political parties—Dharmapuri Arvind (BJP), K. Kavitha alias Kalvakuntla Kavitha (TRS) and Madhusudan alias Madhu Goud Yashki (INC)- in the election fray.
Four candidates from registered political parties are also participating in the contest. Around 182 farmers are contesting as Independents from Nizamabad constituency.
On the first day of withdrawal of nominations, no withdrawal was reported either from political parties or from Independents. Probably, all Independent candidates will be in the fray as they took this initiative to register their protest on remunerative price for turmeric and red jowar. Ruling TRS party leaders tried to convince the farmers, but in vain.
Minister for roads and buildings, transport, legislative affairs and Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency in-charge V. Prashanth Reddy said that anyone can contest in Lok Sabha elections in a democracy.
“Let voters decide the fate of candidates on April 11,” he said. TRS party MLAs, MLCs criticised that the Opposition Congress and BJP leaders have provoked the farmers to file mass nominations for the MP seat. “We have enough evidence in this regard,” they added.
Meanwhile, the district administration has been making arrangements for polling. Speaking at a video conference with Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar on Wednesday, Nizamabad constituency returning officer, district collector M. Rammohan Rao said that they need additional time to submit photos and list of contesting candidates. “Due to huge number of contestants, time is required to submit the details,” he said.
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