Hyderabad: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its search for Telangana MLC candidates for two graduates’ constituencies, with several leaders seeking party tickets. Sitting MLC and senior leader N. Ramchander Rao remains a strong contender for the Mahabubnagar-Rangareddy-Hyderabad seat. However, lobbying by other senior leaders has sharpened the contest.
To assess the aspirants, the BJP formed two committees to gather views on potential candidates. On Tuesday, the panels consulted district presidents, MLAs, former MLAs and other senior leaders. The committees will submit their reports to the state leadership on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, around 13 leaders are seeking the Mahabubnagar-Rangareddy-Hyderabad ticket. By comparison, seven aspirants are in the race for the Nalgonda-Khammam-Warangal constituency.
Alongside Ramchander Rao, BJP spokesperson N.V. Subhash, Dokuri Pavan Kumar, Gautham Rao and Srivardhan Reddy are among those seeking the Hyderabad-region ticket. In addition, reports indicate that Mahabubnagar MP D.K. Aruna is lobbying for Pavan Kumar, her associate.
Telangana MLC candidates: BJP weighs a BC nominee
For the Nalgonda-Khammam-Warangal seat, the BJP is reportedly considering a candidate from the Backward Classes (BC) community. The aspirants include PRTU leader Bhiksham Goud, Pullarao Yadav, Dr. Venkateswara Rao and Kasam Venkateshwarlu.
After receiving the committee reports, the state leadership will review the recommendations and shortlist three names for each constituency. It will then forward both lists to the party’s national leadership for the final selection.
The BJP is likely to announce its candidates after Dasara. According to party sources, the leadership may allocate one seat to an open-category candidate and the other to a BC candidate. However, the party has not made a final decision.
The elections for the two Telangana graduates’ MLC seats are scheduled for March 2027.