CPI Likely to Align with Congress Despite BRS Offer
The battle for the Kothagudem Municipal Corporation (KMC) has reached a fever pitch. Despite a strategic offer from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) to back the Communist Party of India (CPI), political indicators suggest that the CPI is leaning toward a renewed alliance with the ruling Congress party. With 60 seats in the KMC, no single party secured a clear majority, leading to a “hung” corporation. The current breakdown is- CPI 22 Seats, Congress 22 seats, BRS 8 Seats, Independents in 6 Seats, BJP in 1 Seat and CPI-M in 1 Seat.
The BRS Gambit and CPI’s Deliberation
In a bid to remain relevant, the BRS offered its 8 corporators to support the CPI. Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, CPI State Secretary and Kothagudem MLA, confirmed the offer but remains cautious. While voters showed strong confidence in the CPI (which contested alone), Rao noted that the party is weighing the “pros and cons” of the BRS alliance. He dismissed rumors of a direct phone call from Chief Minister Revanth Reddy but acknowledged that Congress leadership is in active discussions with them. The Congress party is reportedly pulling out all the stops to bring the KMC under its control. Reports suggest five of the six independents are already in touch with Congress. There are murmurs that Congress is attempting to lure BRS corporators.
BRS Response Refutes murmurs
In response to poaching rumors, the BRS corporators issued a stern statement declaring they are “not for sale” and remain committed to KCR and KTR. The BRS group has reportedly been moved to a “camp” at an undisclosed location to prevent defections.
Why the CPI-Congress Alliance is “Imminent”
Political analysts believe the CPI will ultimately choose Congress for two primary reasons. Since Congress is the ruling party in the state, an alliance provides more leverage for local development. The KMC Mayor seat is reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC). The CPI’s preferred candidate, Dr. B.P. Rao before elections. Rao is actually contested and won on a Congress ticket. Revenue Minister P. Srinivas Reddy is reportedly spearheading a compromise. The proposed deal could involve like Congress may offer the post to the CPI. A “2.5-year split” where each party holds the Mayor’s chair for half the term.
Editor, Prime Post
Ravindra Seshu Amaravadi, is a senior journalist with 38 years of experience in Telugu, English news papers and electronic media. He worked in Udayam as a sub-editor and reporter. Later, he was associated with Andhra Pradesh Times, Gemini news, Deccan Chronicle, HMTV and The Hans India. Earlier, he was involved in the research work of All India Kisan Sabha on suicides of cotton farmers. In Deccan Chronicle, he exposed the problems of subabul and chilli farmers and malpractices that took place in various government departments.
