There appears to be a heavy demand for the Tirupati seat even before Chiranjeevi who has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha, had vacated it.
As Chiranjeevi’s selection for Rajya Sabha was a foregone conclusion, all the political parties have mentally prepared themselves for the by-election to be caused to Tirupati Assembly constituency. All important parties have even selected their candidates.
Some time ago, roumers had done the rounds that either Chiranjeevi’s wife Surekha or his brother Naga Babu would contest from Tirupati. However, Chiranjeevi has made it clear that none of his family members would be contesting for the seat. With this minister Galla Aruna Kumari who has already set her eyes on the seat for her son Galla Jaya Dev has started even preparations for the by-elections. He is most likely to get the Congress ticket.
TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu has already started the exercise to decide on the candidate as the election would be of a prestigious nature for his party, as the constituency was in his native Chittoor district. Naidu held discussions with leaders of his party from the district till late night on Monday. It is also learnt that Naidu was thinking of fielding actor Mohan Babu. If Mohan Babu could not be fielded, it is being said that TDP would field Kandati Sankara Reddy.
Even if Sankara Reddy were to contest, Naidu would elicit the cooperation of Mohan Babu, say sources. Mohan Babu has influence in the district, apart from his star image.
YSR Congress also will take winning of this seat seriously. The party is likely to field Bhumana karunakar Reddy, former chairman of the TTD. He has contested the same seat as Congress candidate against Chiranjeevi and lost. Now he is in YSR Congress and most likely will get his party’s ticket. (NSS)