There are strong indications that prominent leader Mandava Venkateswara Rao from Nizamabad district will soon join the Congress party. This speculation gained momentum after Mandava’s close friend and former MLA Arikela Narsa Reddy joined the Congress. Notably, Mandava, a senior figure in the TDP, has maintained a close relationship with KCR, the Chief Minister of Telangana.
KCR surprised many when he personally visited Mandava’s residence in Nizamabad and inducted him into the BRS party. Mandava, known for his gentle and non-controversial nature, is respected across party lines. However, there are doubts regarding Mandava’s current allegiance to the BRS party, considering his low-profile role within the party.
The ongoing campaign strongly suggests that Mandava will contest as a Congress candidate from the Nizamabad Rural Constituency in the upcoming elections, potentially challenging BRS MLA Bajireddy. Furthermore, it is believed that if Mandava joins the Congress, a significant number of TDP cadre may follow suit.
Mandava, a seasoned politician who has held multiple terms as an MLA and served as a minister twice, is recognized as a leader who avoids controversies. If he indeed joins the Congress, it would come as a significant blow to KCR’s electoral prospects. However, the impact of Mandava’s potential move on the Congress party remains uncertain.
The reasons behind Mandava’s inclusion in the BRS party and subsequent political quietness since the 2019 elections are still not fully understood. As Mandava’s decision unfolds, it will be intriguing to observe whether his entry into the Congress will be a positive or negative development for the party.