With just nine days left for filing of nominations, countdown for the biennial polls to elect five members to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council has started.
Rudraraju Padma Raju, who quit the Congress to join the TDP, Congress leader from Anantapur Gundumala Thippe Swamy, senior Congress leader from Guntur Singam Basava Punnaiah and senior TDP leader from Guntur Nannapaneni Rajakumari will retire from the Council on March 29.
Elections will be held for these posts. And, the last day for filing of nominations is March 17.
Though only four members are retiring, elections will also be conducted for an additional seat allotted by the Centre under Section 108 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.
Candidates for the polls will be selected on the basis of reservation, with one seat each being reserved for Kamma, Kapu, BC and SC communities. Several heavy weights from across the State are vying for the seat reserved for the Kamma community. There is also stiff competition for the BC seat.
The name of APNGOs Association leader P. Ashok Babu is on top of the list for the Kapu seat.
The name of Buddha Venkanna is on top of the BC candidates’ list. Making Mr. Venkanna the MLC will also give the party a presence in the Vijayawada West Constituency.
The list of aspirants has TDP seniors like Galli Muddukrishnam Naidu, Karanam Balaram, Pyavulu Kesav, Y V.B Rajendra Prasad, former Mayor Panchumarti Anuradha and party district president B. Arjunudu.
