Poll effect begins to tell on leaders

Hyderabad, April 13: Top leaders of all political parties are on tenterhooks ahead of the first phase of polls, the weather taking its toll on them as much as the fear of the unknown.

The sun tanned skin, sweat-stained bodies and hoarse voice of the leaders is one part of the story. The other part is the uncertainty caused by the Praja Rajyam, change in local political equations, desertions, rebellion, “unofficial” nominees, caste and religious equations, money and other factors.

The heat got to “power star” Pavan Kalyan, who fainted while addressing a meeting at Amberpet in the city. He had reached Hyderabad after a whirlwind tour of Mah-bubnagar.

The actor was rushed to hospital where he was advised two days rest.

Uncertainty is writ large on faces of every top leader right from the TRS chief, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, to the revenue minister, Mr Dharmana Prasada Rao, in Srikakulam district. Things are not as cool as Mr Rao expected in the Mahbubn-agar seat, where the TRS has little influence.

The going is tough for the Union minister, Mr S. Jaipal Reddy, at Chevella Lok Sabha. Supporters of “Chevella chellamma (sister),” the state minister, Ms P. Sabita Indra Reddy, burnt his effigies to protest his nomination. Ms Indra Reddy is herself facing the heat from the TD’s “unofficial” nominee, Mr Teegala Krishna Reddy.

For the first time, the MIM strongman, Mr Asaduddin Owaisi, is sweating it out due to the entry of a journalist, Mr Zahid Ali Khan, supported by Mahakutami.

The State Congress president, Mr D. Srinivas, is trying to work out the impact of the division in Muslim votes on his fortunes. In the neigbhouring Armoor Assembly constituency, the Speaker, Mr K.R. Suresh Reddy, who shifted from Balakonda, is taking on his close relative, Ms A. Annapurnamma (TD).

The first time, Mr K.T. Rama Rao, son of the TRS chief, is facing the heat and some rebellion thanks to Mr Mahender Reddy in Sircilla Assembly seat.

In Nalgonda, the CPI leader, Mr Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy, who is seeking reelection from Nalgonda Lok Sabha constituency, faces Mr Gutha Sukender Reddy, who quit the TD and got nominated from the Congress.

Chiranjeevi’s Praja Rajyam has changed the political complexion in North Coastal Andhra, making seasoned politicians like the minister, Mr Botsa Satyanarayana (Cheepurpalli Assembly), wife Jhansi Laxmi (Vizianagaram LS), feel hot under the collar. An old TD hand, Mr M.V.V.S Murthy has revived the “local vs non-local” battle to take on the Union minister, Ms D. Purandareswari.