Congress cadre in Jagtial in dilemma over municipal tickets
A rift between Jagtial MLA Dr Sanjay Kumar and senior Congress leader T Jeevan Reddy has left party aspirants uncertain over ticket allocation for the upcoming municipal elections, even as opposition parties watch developments closely
Jagtial: Congress aspirants planning to contest the forthcoming Jagtial municipal elections are in a dilemma over ticket allocation following a rift between local MLA Dr Sanjay Kumar and senior party leader T Jeevan Reddy.
The rift, which began in the Jagtial Congress after the MLA shifted his loyalty from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi to the ruling Indian National Congress in early 2024, has continued even after two years.
The conflict, which has surfaced repeatedly, came to the fore once again on the eve of the municipal polls, with followers of both leaders keen on contesting from different wards.
Sanjay Kumar has a strong cadre across the town, having been elected as MLA for a second term. Meanwhile, Jeevan Reddy enjoys considerable support across the district, having been active in Jagtial politics for a long time.
As a result, both leaders are reportedly trying to secure party tickets for their respective followers.
Reacting to the issue recently, Jeevan Reddy said tickets should be allotted to leaders who had worked for the party over the past ten years. Allocation of tickets was an internal party matter, he said, adding that there was no question of tolerating interference in party affairs.
Without naming the MLA, Jeevan Reddy said there was no objection if he wished to work with the Congress party and meet the Chief Minister for the development of the constituency, as it was his right to develop the segment.
However, he asserted that any attempt to interfere in party affairs would not be tolerated and said he would go to any extent to protect the interests of party workers.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Kumar is also reportedly seeking tickets for his supporters, citing their work for the Congress party. With both groups pressing their claims, party cadre remain uncertain over ticket allocation.
Opposition parties, the BRS and the Bharatiya Janata Party, are closely monitoring developments within the ruling party and are trying to take advantage of the situation.
The BRS had captured the Jagtial municipality in the previous elections, with Boga Sravani serving as municipal chairperson. Although she resigned from the post in 2023 and joined the BJP, the BRS continues to have a strong cadre in the town.
The BJP is also making concerted efforts to capture the municipality by winning a majority of wards.
