Cong to replace Warangal LS bypoll candidate post fire tragedy

The Congress is likely replace its candidate Sircilla Rajaiah for the November 21 bypoll to Warangal Lok Sabha constituency in Telangana following a fire mishap at his residence that left four family members dead.

Police said four family members of former Congress MP Rajaiah, including his daughter-in-law Sarika and three grandchildren, died in the mishap at their house in Warangal district in the wee hours today.

Following the incident, sources in Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee said that Rajaiah would withdraw his candidature.

The name of former Union Minister of State Sarve Satyanarayana is doing the rounds as a possible replacement.

Today is the last day for filing of nominations for the by-election, necessitated following the resignation of Kadiyam Srihari after he was made Deputy Chief Minister.

The fire occurred on the second floor of Rajaiah's house in Hanamkonda area of Warangal city where the members were staying.

Incidentally, a criminal case was filed against Rajaiah, his wife, son and another woman at the Begumpet women's police station here in April 2014, following a complaint lodged by Sarika, who had alleged that her husband and in-laws had been harassing.