The Telangana Congress has announced three candidates for the upcoming biennial elections to the MLC (Member of Legislative Council) under the MLAs quota. In a strategic move, the party has ensured representation from diverse backgrounds by allocating one seat to a Scheduled Caste (SC) candidate, one to a Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidate, and one to a female candidate. In addition, a seat was previously offered to the Communist Party of India (CPI) as part of the Congress-CPI alliance. Among the announced candidates, senior actress-turned-politician Vijaya Shanthi’s name has drawn significant attention. The other two candidates declared by the party are Addanki Dayakar and Kethavath Shankar Naik. Vijaya Shanthi’s candidacy has surprised many, including some Congress party leaders. While Vijaya Shanthi had been relatively inactive in party activities in recent months, her selection indicates the party’s strategic efforts to balance representation and gain electoral advantage. Despite her absence from active political engagements, Vijaya Shanthi’s strong public image and popularity are seen as potential assets for the Congress party in the upcoming elections.
 

Addanki Dayakar is a prominent SC leader known for his grassroots-level influence in Telangana politics. He has been a loyal Congress member with extensive experience in state politics. His selection reflects the party’s commitment to ensuring representation from marginalized communities. Kethavath Shankar Naik, the chosen ST candidate, is also a recognized political figure with strong connections in tribal regions. His selection aligns with the Congress party’s efforts to promote social inclusivity and ensure fair representation in the legislative council. The announcement of Vijaya Shanthi’s candidacy has disappointed several senior Congress leaders who were hopeful for an MLC position. Prominent figures like former MP Anjan Kumar Yadav, cricketer-turned-politician Mohd Azharuddin, and senior leader Mohd Shabbir Ali had anticipated their selection but were ultimately overlooked. The MLC elections are crucial as the term of five current MLCs — Mohd Mahmood Ali, Satyavathi Rathod, Seri Subhash Reddy, Yegge Mallesham, and Mirza Riyazul Hassan Effendi — is set to end on March 29. With these seats vacant, the Congress party's strategic candidate selection is expected to strengthen its position in the Telangana Legislative Council.
 

Despite internal disappointments, Congress leaders believe that the party’s current choices will provide an advantage in the electoral race. The balanced mix of caste, tribal, and female representation aims to reflect the party’s broader commitment to inclusiveness and social justice. Political analysts suggest that securing victory for the Congress candidates should be relatively smooth given the current political dynamics in Telangana. The party is expected to mobilize its MLA support effectively to ensure a favorable outcome in the upcoming elections. With these developments, all eyes are now on Vijaya Shanthi’s political resurgence and how her candidacy may influence the Congress party’s strategies in Telangana's evolving political landscape. As the elections draw closer, the Congress party’s ability to maintain unity and manage internal expectations will be crucial in ensuring a successful electoral outcome.