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Several Congress MPs complete hat-tricks

Former Union textiles minister G Venkataswamy has an unique distinction of two impressive 'hat-tricks' from two reserved constituencies in Andhra Pradesh.

The veteran Congress stalwart will look forward to making it seven in a row, pitted in a three-cornered contest against K Lingayya (Bharatiya Janata Party) and Dr Suguna Kumari (Telugu Desam Party).

Twice a Union minister in previous Congress governments, Venkataswamy completed his first hat-trick from Siddipet. His unenviable record continued as he shifted to another reserved constituency, Peddapalli, and completed yet another hat-trick. He will chance his arm for the fourth time from Peddapalli.

All India Majlis-Ittehadul Muslimeen president Sultan Salauddin Owaisi is expected to maintain his stranglehold in Hyderabad constituency from where he will contest for the fifth successive time, having won four elections in a row. This time he is pitted against the BJP's Baddam Bal Reddy.

Other leaders who have completed 'hat-tricks' are former chief minister Kotla Vijayabhaskara Reddy from Kurnool, A Saipratap from Siddipet, Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy from Cuddapah, state Congress president Mallikarjun from Mahabubnagar, Kamaluddin Ahmed from Hanumakonda and M Baga Reddy from Medak.

All six leaders belong to the Congress and would seek their fourth victory from as many elections.

While Vijayabhaskara Reddy is pitted against former minister K E Krishnamurthy (Telugu Desam Party) and K V Venkataswamy (BJP), Dr Rajasekhara Reddy will face Kandula Rajamohana Reddy (TDP) and K Nagender Prasad (BJP).

Saipratap will face TDP Minister A Rajayya and N A Krishna (BJP). Dr Mallikarjun has been pitted against Union Information and Broadcasting Minister S Jaipal Reddy (Janata Dal) and A P Jitender Reddy (BJP).

Kamaluddin Ahmed will face TDP candidate Cheda Suresh Reddy and Madhusudhana Chari of the N T Rama Rao-Telugu Desam Party, whereas it will be a triangular contest between Baga Reddy, P Manik Reddy (TDP) and A Narendra (BJP).

UNI

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