Hyderabad: The ruling TRS has finally named party leader and owner of engineering colleges Palla Rajeshwara Reddy as its candidate for the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda graduate constituency in the biennial elections to the TS Legislative Council.

The TRS had already named TNGOs president Deviprasad for the Mahbubnagar Ranga Reddy Hyderabad constituency. “I am extremely happy with Chief Minister and TRS president, K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s decision to field me for the MLC seat,” Mr Reddy said after announcement of his name as party nominee.

Though names of Deputy CM Kadiam Srihari and R and B minister Tummala Nageswara Rao was in circulation, the CM after considering various factors zeroed in on Mr Reddy. It is learnt both Srihari, who quit his MP seat to become Deputy CM and Tummala Nageswara Rao preferred a nominated MLC seat either from the MLA’s quota or Governor’s quota.

“If Rajeshwar Reddy wins, it will not be the victory of Rajeshwar Reddy but the TRS. The party needs the support of all graduates. The TRS has come to power promising water, funds and jobs in TS,’ Mr Reddy said.

Sources said KCR asked party leaders in the constituencies to ensure a big win for the TRS candidates. The CM has taken the MLC polls seriously after the party’s good show in the non party based election to the SCB since it will set the tone for the GHMC polls and read the pulse of graduates in six out of 10 districts.