All India Congress Committee (AICC) announced the list of MLC candidates for Telangana on Sunday. AICC incharge KC Venugopal named film star-turned-politician Vijayashanthi, Telangana Congress senior Addanki Dayakar and Nalgonda District Congress president Kethavath Shankar Naik as party’s candidates for MLC elections to be held under MLAs quota.

While Congress has the capacity to win four MLC seats under MLAs quota according to its present strength, it has allotted one MLC seat to its ally Communist Party of India (CPI).

Among the Congress choices, Addanki Dayakar’s selection did not surprise anyone, as he has been loyally serving the party through thick and thin, and has been waiting for a post for long. Addanki Dayakar was considered one of the frontrunners for MLC nominations this time, and as expected he has been given an opportunity by Congress High Command. Moreover he is CM Revanth Reddy’s loyalist.

The other two names are surely a surprise for all. Though Vijayashanti’s name did rounds, not many thought she would get an opportunity in the groups-ridden Congress. Nevertheless, considering Vijayashanti’s efforts and loyalty towards Congress in recent times, AICC leadership chose her. With this fresh development, Vijayashanthi, who has been almost away from limelight, will surely make a comeback with a bang.

Another surprise choice is Kethavath Shankar Naik. The low profile Nalgonda DCC president Shankar Naik, belonging to ST category, was picked up by AICC leadership, rejecting several high profile names.

With Congress having complete majority in Assembly and sufficient number of MLAs, the election of these candidates as MLCs is just a formality.