Hyderabad, March 1 (NationPress) Intense lobbying is currently underway within the Telangana Congress party for two coveted Rajya Sabha positions, with numerous senior leaders vying for the nominations.

While it appears that the party will likely re-nominate seasoned politician Abhishek Manu Singhvi for another term in the Upper House, the spotlight now shifts to the leadership's decision regarding the second seat.

Several prominent leaders have openly declared their interest in being nominated to the Rajya Sabha and are actively engaged in fervent lobbying efforts in the national capital.

The elections for the two Rajya Sabha seats from Telangana are set for March 16.

The terms of the current members, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and KR Suresh Reddy, will conclude on April 9, prompting the need for these elections.

Suresh Reddy, who serves as the BRS Parliamentary Party leader, and Singhvi, who was elected as a Congress candidate in 2024 after K. Keshava Rao's resignation, are both pivotal figures in this political maneuvering.

With a total of 66 MLAs in a 119-member Assembly, coupled with support from its ally, the Communist Party of India (CPI), which has one MLA, and the All India-Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), which has seven MLAs, the ruling party is well-positioned to secure both seats.

Sources suggest that senior Supreme Court advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi is poised to retain his position, bolstered by the backing of the Congress high command. His legal expertise and articulate representation in Parliament are viewed as significant advantages for the party on a national scale.

The contest for the second seat has ignited considerable interest among local party members.

Notable aspirants include veteran Congress leader Shyam Mohan Anantula, Chief Minister's advisor Vem Narender Reddy, former Rajya Sabha member V. Hanumantha Rao, Chairman of the Telangana State Planning Board G Chinna Reddy, former MP Madhu Yaskhi Goud, and Chairman of the Telangana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Commission M Kodanda Reddy.

Anantula, the younger brother of former minister Madan Mohan Anantula from undivided Andhra Pradesh, has emerged as a formidable contender.

A longstanding member of the Congress with over six decades of dedication, Anantula's name is frequently mentioned within party discussions as a representation of loyalty and institutional knowledge. He participated in the 1960-61 All India Youth Congress convention led by Indira Gandhi and played a role in the 1969 Telangana movement.

As the Vice-Chairman of the Telangana Congress Disciplinary Action Committee, Anantula has expressed optimism that the AICC will acknowledge his long-standing commitment to the party and consider him for a Rajya Sabha nomination.

He stated to the media in New Delhi that he remains devoted to reinforcing party organization and promoting its ideological goals.

With March 5 being the deadline for submitting nominations, a decision regarding the candidates is expected shortly.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is anticipated to engage in discussions with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, state Congress chief Mahesh Kumar Goud, and other senior leaders during his visit to Telangana on Monday.

During this visit, Rahul Gandhi will participate in a training program for newly appointed District Congress Committee presidents from both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.