Though former union minister and popular Tollywood star Chiranjeevi is not interested to take active part in politics, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is said to be bringing pressure on him to contest as Congress candidate in the forthcoming by-poll to Jubilee Hills assembly seat.
Only on his request, Chiranjeevi met the Chief Minister at his house three days ago. Already he has reportedly rejected BJP’s offer to go Rajya Sabha on its behalf.
As all surveys indicate that it would be difficult for the Congress in the by-polls from here due to severe anti-government sentiments among people and also deep rooted factionism among Congress workers in the city, Revanth Reddy is said to be looking for a candidate, who is having own image.
However, Chiranjeevi has not given his consent to contest in the polls, but only said he has to discuss with his family members. Presently, there is no representation to Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts in the state cabinet and whoever may win from here is likely to get a cabinet berth.
Moreover, Revanth Reddy said to be given assurance that Chiranjeevi will be inducted into his cabinet after winning from here. CM Revanth Reddy is thinking of winning here and reversing anti-Congress sentiments prevailed in the state.
But, he is worried that the Congress party is lagging behind in the survey conducted by himself. Although the survey has already been conducted three times, Gandhi Bhavan sources say that the Congress party is lagging behind by an average of 10% votes in all the surveys.
It is reported that the survey conducted by the Congress strategist with special attention also showed that the Congress party is lagging behind by a margin of 11% votes. In this context, CM Revanth Reddy is focusing on a candidate who can win on personal charisma, regardless of party affiliation.
It is reported that party strategist Sunil Kanugole suggested that Chiranjeevi, who is a member of the Congress party, be fielded. Though he is not taking part in any political activity, he has not resigned from the party so far.
Meanwhile, former MP and cricketer Azharuddin is aggressively lobbying for this seat using his clout with Gandhi family. There are a total of 3.75 lakh votes in the Jubilee Hills constituency, out of which more than 1.25 lakh are minority votes.
As Muslim voters are likely to play a decisive role, he is confident to get cabinet berth after winning from here. However, CM Revanth Reddy is said to be making all attempts to avoid him.