In a surprising turn of events, the Congress and CPI parties, which have been allies since the assembly elections, have become fierce competitors in the upcoming Khammam Corporation elections. Both parties are intensively campaigning to secure the mayoral seat, marking a significant shift in their political dynamics. The coalition that had previously emerged during the 2023 assembly elections, where CPI’s state secretary Kunamneni Sambasivarao won as an MLA from the Khammam assembly segment, is now under threat as local body elections approach.
Since the Congress came to power, CPI has been acting as a supporting ally, particularly in backing government policies on key projects such as the Kaleshwaram project. However, the local body elections have sparked competition between the two erstwhile allies. In a notable move, during the recent Panchayat elections, the CPI managed to secure unanimous support in the Vidyanagar Panchayat, which houses the camp office of Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy.
With the goal of strengthening their party in Khammam, CPI leaders have decided to compete for several divisions in the corporation elections, aiming to secure both the mayor and deputy mayor positions. The Congress has proposed to allocate 15 out of the total 60 divisions to CPI, but the latter has demanded a minimum of 25 divisions, citing their organizational strength in the industrial region of Khammam. Despite several rounds of discussions, neither party has shown willingness to compromise, leading to a fracture in their previously amicable relationship.
As the situation unfolds, Congress plans to contest in 58 divisions, while CPI, which has allied with TDP, is fielding candidates in 57 divisions. The CPI’s narrative highlights the achievements of Kunamneni, who claims that the corporation was upgraded only after his election as an MLA, and the ongoing polling in Palvancha, which had not seen elections for two decades, is a testament to their efforts.
Additionally, the establishment of Dr. Manmohan Singh University has been approved, and CPI is rallying support with the slogan that further development can only be achieved under their leadership. Minister Ponguleti has taken it upon himself to ensure the victory of Congress candidates, promoting the message that any new initiatives for labor or significant funding for development projects are feasible only with Congress at the helm.
This evolving political landscape in Khammam not only reflects the changing alliances within regional politics but also highlights the tensions that can arise when partnerships shift from cooperation to competition. As the elections approach, the rivalry between Congress and CPI will undoubtedly shape the future political scene in the region, leaving constituents to wonder who will ultimately prevail in this newly charged atmosphere.
