Lokesh gives ticket to Cash-for-Votes linked Pradeep

Hyderabad: Pradeep Chowdhury, one of those who were questioned by the police in the 'cash for vote scam' is now trying his luck in the GHMC elections. He has presently filed his nomination as the TDP candidate for the Vengalrao Nagar division.

The BJP had reportedly expressed objection to Pradeep's nomination and had not only wanted another person in his place but also wanted the division to be represented by a BJP candidate. It was due to the last minute pressure brought in by AP chief minister's son Lokesh, that the nomination has been given to Pradeep, a confidant of Lokesh.

Lokesh has been able to get GHMC election nominations to a few of his confidants. Pradeep Chowdhury is interestingly among the top few. Pradeep Chowdhury had earlier figured prominently in the call lists of the 'cash for vote scam' due to which his role was investigated by the police.

With the TDP demanding divisions for themselves where the BJP had good prospects of winning, several differences were seen to be cropping up in their seat sharing agreements. The Vengalrao Nagar division is a case in point. Lokesh's involvement has not only taken the nomination away from BJP but he has made sure that none other than Pradeep Chowdury represent this division in the forthcoming GHMC elections.