The announcement of candidates for the three Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka on Thursday evening came as a big disappointment to Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y S Sharmila, who was earlier reportedly assured of an RS seat from the neighbouring state.
The party finalised the candidatures of All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC national spokesperson Pawan Khera and Mansoor Ali Khan, son of former Union minister Rahman Khan.
The Congress has the strength to win three Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka. Though Kharge and Mansoor Ali Khan were certain to get the nominations, there was speculation that the third seat would be given to Sharmila.
Reports from New Delhi had earlier indicated that Kharge had almost finalised Sharmila’s name when she met him and Rahul Gandhi a few days ago. However, the sudden omission of her name has sparked intense discussion within her camp.
According to party sources, Sharmila’s name was dropped at the last minute and the top leadership finalised the name of Pawan Khera, a Delhi-based leader with no direct connection to the South.
Apparently, the party high command came under the influence of some powerful forces that did not want Sharmila to get any prominence. These forces are said to have strong connections with top Andhra leaders, sources said.
The development is likely to fuel speculation about internal party dynamics and leadership preferences ahead of key political battles in Andhra Pradesh.
