CPM refuses to withdraw from the contest in Bhongir seat

HYDERABAD: In a significant setback for the Congress party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) refused to withdraw its candidate from the Bhongir Lok Sabha constituency.

The decision by the Left party conflicted with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's request to have the CPM withdraw its candidate from the Bhongir Lok Sabha seat. According to sources, Revanth Reddy sought a meeting with CPM State Secretary Tammineni Veerabhadram at his residence, but the party declined his request.

Veerabhadram issued a statement to the media, explaining that while the party would support Congress candidates in the remaining 16 Lok Sabha seats, it would continue to contest the Bhongir seat.

It is worth noting that CM Revanth Reddy met with CPM leaders last week to persuade them to withdraw from the Bhongir contest. Both parties agreed to work with greater understanding during this meeting. However, today's announcement from the CPM represents a significant blow to the Chief Minister's efforts to consolidate support ahead of the elections.