MLC polls: Former Congress MLA Konappa canvasses for Independent candidate in Asifabad

Konappa’s move has not only exposed internal bickerings in the Congress, but also jolted the leadership of the party.

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: In a major blow to the Congress ahead of the MLC polls, former Sirpur (T) MLA Koneru Konappa ignored the party’s official candidate and began canvassing for an independent candidate Prasanna Harishna. Konappa, sources say, is also ready to quit the party, but he has not yet announced his decision.

Campaigning for Prasanna Harikrishna in Penchikalpet mandal centre on Friday, Konappa urged voters to support Harikrishna, who would become a voice for graduates in the council if elected. He said that Harikrishna provided education to thousands of youngsters. He requested the graduates to elect the candidates cutting across affiliations of political parties. He has surprised many by supporting the independent candidate.

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Konappa’s move has not only exposed internal bickerings in the Congress, but also jolted the leadership of the party. The development is seen as the first setback to the Congress in particular Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy after assuming the post. It is viewed as an example of failure of the top leadership in addressing the in-fighting and dissent of leaders.

On February 15, Konappa declared that he would consult people and take a decision to whether to contest as an Independent if Telangana witnessed elections in near future. He refuted the rumors that he would be joining the BRS.

Konappa contested on BRS ticket from Sirpur (T) segment in Assembly elections in 2023. He was defeated by BJP’s Dr Harish Babu. He then joined the Congress in March. He was elected from the segment in 2004, 2014 and 2018.