RANGAREDDY 

Former MLA of Kothagudem Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao has been elected as Telangana state secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI) amid high drama on Wednesday. The former MLA was elected after a fierce contest between two contenders for the post. The results were announced after the late night election during the state conference held at Shamshabad. While unanimous election of the new secretary was expected, a contest became inevitable after both Sambasiva Rao and Palla Venkat Reddy staking claim. In the election held amid high drama a total of 110 votes were polled, Sambasiva Rao secured 59 votes while Venkat Reddy secured 45 votes.

According to the information, After formation of Telangana, Chada Venkat Reddy has served as the CPI state secretary twice continuously and as per the party rules, a person can hold the post for three terms only. It is also learnt that Chada Venkat Reddy was interested to continue as secretary for a third term. However, Sambasiva Rao insisted that he may be given a chance this time. Kunamneni Sambasiva was state assistant secretary earlier. It is also learnt that, Chada Venkat Reddy announced that he will continue in the post if elected unanimously. He also reportedly proposed to give the post to Palla Venkat Reddy if the election is not unanimous.