Challenges increase for BRS, the ruling party.
NEW DELHI
With the Congress pulling out all the stops to give a tough fight to ruling BRS in Telangana, the Assembly elections in this southern state have become very interesting. The grand old party is confident of getting votes from Muslims and backward castes in Telangana on the lines of Karnataka.
Congress could be in a winning position if votes from these communities come to it. However, all this is not very easy. BRS chief and Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has launched many welfare schemes to woo voters. There is no denying that voters’ mood is highly unpredictable.
Congress’ massive campaigning in Telangana has been in the headlines. Road shows of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have created an impact. Given all this, BRS has to work harder to retain power. The voters are analysing pros and cons of freebies being announced by both Congress and BRS.
Wrapping up his three-day whirlwind tour to Telangana, Rahul Gandhi touched upon various issues including better support prices to farmers and other promises. He announced that if Congress comes to power, it will ensure that farmers get Rs 500 more than MSP for every crop they grow. Congress will ensure that turmeric farmers get Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000 support price per quintal.
Meanwhile, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D. Shivakumar, the new “Chanakya” of Congress politics, has taken up the responsibility of overthrowing the government in Telangana. Congress targeted CM Rao’s daughter Kavitha, saying her name is mentioned in the Delhi liquor scam. Congress also alleged that lack of action against Kavitha in the alleged liquor scam proves that BJP and BRS are together. Congress is highlighting the issue of BRS-BJP political nexus in a bid to give a message to Muslim voters. Congress is also relying on caste politics in Telangana.
While KCR is leading the BRS campaign single-handedly, the Congress campaign is being led by Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and a host of Karnataka leaders. Congress believes that Muslims will not waste their votes as they have now understood that BRS-BJP and AIMIM are together in an undeclared alliance.
At a rally in Telangana, Rahul Gandhi referred to “BRS-BJP-AIMIM alleged nexus”, alleging that BRS, BJP and AIMIM are working in cahoots and that K. Chandrashekar Rao-led outfit supports the saffron party in Parliament. Telanagna has 20-22% Muslim voters. Other castes are also expected to support Congress. Rao claims that BRS will register a huge victory. Rao’s image is spotless. He is considered to be a leader of all communities. He has launched so many schemes for the poor.
Telanagna poll results will impact national politics as well. These polls have become a matter of prestige for BRS which had planned to launch a campaign against both Congress and BJP at the national level. If BRS loses, its plan will be dashed and if it wins then Rao’s outfit will go ahead with its move to launch a third front at national level. If Congress wins I.N.D.I.A will gain strength and allies will accept its leadership. Initially, the opposition alliance was moving in the right direction, but Congress has halted its activities in the new political formation due to electoral compulsion in Hindi belt states.
As a result, SP and AAP are fighting polls in these states without alliance. These two outfits were earlier with BRS. But now they are not with it. All eyes will be on possible political realignment after 3 December, the day when Assembly poll results will be announced. The political future of KCR and Owaisi is at stake in Telangana.