Hyderabad: Stage is set for a battle over two Rajya Sabha seats from Telangana as the terms of BRS MP KR Suresh Reddy and Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi end on April 9.
Accordingly, the Election Commission issued the notification today to fill the Rajya Sabha seats. The nomination process began immediately. Candidates can file papers until March 5. Officials will scrutinise nominations on March 6. Aspirants can withdraw until March 9. Authorities will conduct polling on March 16, if required.
However, given its strength in the Assembly, the Congress is positioned to secure both RS seats. Party sources indicated that the leadership may renominate Abhishek Manu Singhvi for one berth.
Meanwhile, senior leaders intensified lobbying for the second of the Rajya Sabha seats. Some travelled to Delhi to meet the AICC leadership. Others approached the Chief Minister and the TPCC chief seeking consideration.
Senior leaders line up for Rajya Sabha seats
Senior leader Chinna Reddy met AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi and sought a Rajya Sabha berth. Similarly, Farmers’ Commission Chairman Kodanda Reddy said he would press his claim before the Chief Minister and PCC president.
In addition, former MP V Hanumantha Rao and Jetti Kusuma Kumar entered the race, citing seniority and service. The name of Justice Sudarshan Reddy also surfaced after he contested the Vice-Presidential election as the INDIA bloc candidate.
Further, Government Adviser Vem Narender Reddy remains under consideration. Senior leader Jeevan Reddy, former MP Madhu Yashki Goud, advisers Shabbir Ali and Harkara Venugopal, and Bellayya Naik under the ST quota are also seeking nomination.
Party sources said the leadership may finalise names at the last minute.