TD looking for ‘winning horses’

VV Balakrishna
19 Sep 2008 03:55:00 AM IST

HYDERABAD: The search is on for ‘winning horses’ in Telugu Desam Party (TDP). TDP which is leaving no stone unturned to regain power in the State, has started the exercise of identifying ‘potential’ candidates for the next Assembly elections.
TDP leadership is planning to announce the names of candidates four to five months ahead of the elections enabling the candidates to concentrate on their segments. TDP feels that it would help the winning chances of the party.
TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu made some preliminary assessment on the probable candidates.
While discussing with the district party leaders about the candidates during his 117-day ‘Meekosam yatra’, Naidu enquired about the style of functioning of the aspirants and the popularity they enjoy among the public.
In continuation with this, the party incharges of Lok Sabha constituencies would tour their respective segments shortly and submit a report to the party chief before September 30. In the next leg of tours, they would identify three to four aspirants in each Assembly constituency and submit the list to the party chief.
The party has already announced that it would give 100 tickets to Backward Classes. It is likely to leave 50 seats to Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in the region and an equal number of seats to the Left parties.
This time cine heros of NTR family will have a say in the selection of candidates. Balakrishna and NTR Jr may request Naidu for a handful of tickets to their followers. Naidu, who want to utilise their services, is willing to concede to their demands.
However, the names of candidates in Telangana region may be finalised only after seatsharing with TRS is through.
vvbalakrishna@epmltd.com