As bypoll date uncertain, Etala chalks out Plan B

With the delay in announcing the byelection date slowly changing the political dynamics in Huzurabad, the projected BJP candidate Etala Rajendar is understood to be altering his strategies.

According to the BJP sources, Rajendar requested Union home minister Amit Shah to consider campaigning in Huzurabad. They said Rajendar had informed the Central leadership about the possibility of sympathy for him dissipating if the bypoll is delayed. Rajender is said to be considering to field his wife Jamuna due to the delay in the bypoll, it is learnt. Rajendar wants to concentrate on poll management and take care of the campaign which is not possible if he himself is the candidate. Jamuna’s remarks on Sunday that she would contest the byelection created a buzz within the BJP.

Rajendar who has embarked on a padayatra has been aggressively campaigning in Huzurabad and is trying to meet as many voters as possible. Jamuna is also seen campaigning aggressively.

Jamuna was always behind the scenes unlike this election. If sources are to be believed, there is a discussion in the BJP that Jamuna should contest the bylection if they are held after September.

The BJP is also said to be weighing the merits of Jamuna’s candidature as she is from the Reddy community and has a clean image unlike Rajendar who was accused in a case of land grabbing which is

sub judice now. Sources said the TRS may find it difficult to criticise Jamuna, whereas it will be no holds barred with Rajendar. With the announcement of

the Dalita Bandu scheme and the TRS assigning every leader from the constituency to canvass, the ruling party is said to have gained the upper hand.