[1]Former DSP D. Nalini, who quit her job to demand statehood for Telangana, is learning politics the hard way, fighting for a seat to contest the byelections from — in the absence of money power and a political godfather. Leaders from various parties who eulogised her services to the Telangana cause and praised her for quitting a lucrative job, are shying away after she announced her decision to contest the Parkal byelections as an Independent candidate.
The TRS and the BJP have ruled out their support if she contests as an Independent, while the Telugu Desam, which has lost its sheen in Telangana, is pondering over her request since its chances of a victory are remote. “I am the right candidate from Parkal to take on Konda Surekha. I need the support of all parties fighting for the Telangana cause. I have been fighting for it, I quit my job for it,” Ms Nalini said. “I have become a mass leader and I am sure I will do well in the byelections,” she added.
When asked, TD Telangana Forum convener E. Dayakar Rao said, “We will consult our party president and consider her request for support,” while BJP president G. Kishan Reddy told this newspaper that the party would field a candidate on its own along the lines of Mahbubnagar. The TRS meanwhile, is busy scouting for a suitable candidate, even as sources say that the party does not approve of Ms Nalini’s decision to contest as an Independent. “The problem is we have too many aspirants. How can we ignore them and support an Indep-endent despite the fact that she fought for Telangana,” a TRS leader said.
TJAC convener M. Kodan-daram promised to consider her plea but his chances of ensuring support from others seem remote.
Links:
[1] http://103.241.136.51/07nalinijpgcropdisplayjpg-803