Has Jana Sena chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan already taken a final decision regarding the Rajya Sabha seat? Is he set to convey the same to TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu? According to leaders within Jana Sena, the answer appears to be yes. More than the seats expected to go to the TDP, there is widespread curiosity over Jana Sena’s first Rajya Sabha seat. Political circles, along with Jana Sena leaders, are keenly watching what kind of decision Pawan Kalyan would make in this matter. Several contenders have been in the race for the seat. From the beginning, the name of Vijayawada-based businessman Lingamaneni Ramesh has been prominently discussed. Later, another industrialist, Bandaru Narasimha Rao, also entered the race. Along with them, a real estate company head and a prominent film producer were also reportedly lobbying for the nomination.
However, according to highly reliable Jana Sena sources, Pawan Kalyan has reportedly decided to select Lingamaneni Ramesh for the Rajya Sabha seat. A senior party leader revealed that despite criticism from various quarters, Pawan Kalyan has chosen not to step back from this decision. The reason, according to party insiders, is that Lingamaneni Ramesh has stood by Jana Sena regardless of the party’s victories or defeats. Pawan Kalyan is said to have made it clear that since Ramesh has remained loyal to him for more than a decade, he deserves the opportunity. On the other hand, discussions are also taking place within Jana Sena circles that Bandaru Narasimha Rao came closer to Pawan Kalyan only after the party came to power. Party sources say that Pawan Kalyan did not seriously entertain the efforts made by the other aspirants in the race. It now remains to be seen how Jana Sena leaders will react once the party officially announces Lingamaneni Ramesh as its Rajya Sabha candidate.