Ibrahimpatnam: Congress candidate tries hard to avenge his 2018 defeat; BRS banks on development, BJP tries to woo BCs

Hyderabad: Ibrahimpatnam constituency is witnessing a fierce triangular contest between BRS, Congress, and BJP.

Malreddy Ranga Reddy, who narrowly lost in the previous election, is now contesting on Congress ticket. He is trying to reclaim the victory that he narrowly missed last time.

Sitting BRS MLA Manchireddy Kishan Reddy is setting the stage for another intense face-off.

Ibrahimpatnam Constituency Overview:

Ibrahimpatnam is one of the 14 constituencies in the joint Rangareddy district. In proximity to Bhagyanagar, it encompasses five mandals -- Ibrahimpatnam, Manchala, Yacharam, Hayathnagar, and Abdullahpurmet, constituting a total of 2,21,478 voters. Historically a Congress stronghold, the party secured victories in this constituency continuously from 1952 to 1983. Additionally, the Communist Party and TDP have also tasted success here, reflecting the diverse political history of the region. Presently, the incumbent MLA, Manchireddy Kishanreddy, who previously won under TDP and later shifted to BRS, emerged victorious in both 2009 and 2014. In 2018, he secured another win with a slender margin against Mal Reddy Rangareddy.

Manchireddy Kishanreddy as BRS Candidate:

Manchireddy Kishanreddy, the incumbent MLA, has clinched the BRS ticket once more, aiming for a fourth consecutive term. Having tasted success since 2009, initially contesting under TDP and later under BRS in 2018, Kishanreddy is leveraging government schemes in his campaign, leveraging his position within the ruling party.

Malreddy Rangareddy from Congress:

Malreddy Rangareddy, who was denied ticker by Congress last time, is now the party’s formidable candidate. In the 2018 elections, contesting under BSP due to the lack of Congress's backing, he secured the second position, closely trailing behind Kishan Reddy. This time, the Congress made no error in allocating the ticket to Malreddy given his influence in the Ibrahimpatnam constituency. He is vehemently vying for victory, elucidating the pledges made by the Congress to the electorate.

Nomula Dayanand Goud Contesting from BJP:

BJP has fielded Nomula Dayanand Goud. It is despite initial expectations that the BJP might field Ashok Kumar Goud in this constituency. BJP also holds a significant presence in Ibrahimpatnam, particularly in the larger Amberpet and Abdullahpurmet areas, bolstered by a substantial vote bank. Goud's past victory as Bhuvanagiri MP and the potential backing from BC voters serve as the focal points of BJP's campaign strategy.

Pagadala Yadaiah from CPM to Barili:

Initially indicating support for Congress, the CPM retracted its stance following political developments, citing neglect. Subsequently, they announced their candidates in areas of strength, presenting Pagadala Yadaiah as the CPM's contender from Ibrahimpatnam. Having a longstanding association with the party, Yadaiah previously contested from the constituency in 2014 and 2018 under the CPM banner.

Residents express satisfaction with the developmental strides, attributing it to the accessibility of the outer ring road and notably improved roads. Support for BRS remains strong among the elderly, citing pensions and past governmental support as crucial factors in their allegiance. Conversely, an upsurge in support for Congress is evident, especially in villages surrounding Ibrahimpatnam. Local leaders joining Congress and dissident BRS members switching allegiance reinforce this trend.

Being close to the main city, the people say that the constituency has witnessed development. Outer Ring Road is also close by.

Ramachandra Rao, a resident said, “Especially the roads are good and old people are supporting BRS. Senior citizens hail KCR Sarkar for pension. No one could give them a pension in the past. That is why Kishan Reddy will win here once again. Shepherds too say that the government had distributed sheep. Now they are saying that they will again distribute the livestock. They say that they will support the government which is protecting the caste workers.”

Yadaiah, who belongs to the constituency, said, “I have been supporting the Congress since time immemorial. Vote for Congress this time too. Whether the government comes or not, I will vote for Congress. Congress will win in the Ibrahimpatnam constituency. Earlier, Congress had full strength here. Now that glory will return in the constituency. Also. Congress candidate Malreddy Rangareddy fought for the poor people. That is why his support is increasing. In the past, they lost by a narrow margin. But this time it is sure to win”, he said.

The electoral battleground in Ibrahimpatnam primarily revolves around BRS and Congress, with Manchireddy Kishanreddy and Malreddy Rangareddy likely to secure the top positions. The shifting sentiments in favor of Congress suggest a stiff challenge for Kishanreddy, who previously won by a narrow margin. Ultimately, the people will deliver the final verdict, shaping the political landscape in Ibrahimpatnam.