BJP, Congress amplify campaign blitz in Telangana; BRS harps on deliverance card

HYDERABAD: In the lead-up to the upcoming Assembly elections, Telangana has been witnessing a surge in political activity amplified by national leaders who are making a beeline to the State to address public meetings and hold regional consultations. The BJP and the Congress, in particular, have been actively engaging in campaign rallies featuring prominent figures such as Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, JP Nadda and Rahul Gandhi. These leaders have intensified their presence in the State, each with their own strategies and objectives.

This week, on July 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public meeting in Warangal which seemed to outline the BJP’s strategy against the BRS for the polls ahead. Modi targetted the KCR Government, labelling it as the “most corrupt” party and accused it of promoting dynasty politics.

Just a day later, BJP President JP Nadda chaired a meeting in Hyderabad which was attended by 11 of the party’s state chiefs. The meeting was organised to decide on a strategy for the states that are going to polls in the next few months.

Not long ago, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a public meeting in Chevella on April 23. His visit was aimed to galvanise the BJP cadre and consolidate their base in the region. He was scheduled to address another public meeting in Khammam on June 15 but was cancelled at the last minute as he had to monitor Cyclone Biparjoy which was going to impact his home State Gujarat.

Likewise, Nadda too held a public meeting in Nagarkurnool on June 25 emphasising the BJP’s financial contribution to Telangana. All these events were part of the BJP's efforts to bolster its political standing in the state.

Meanwhile, the Congress party also made its presence felt in Telangana. Rahul Gandhi addressed a public meeting in Kurnool on July 2, aiming to connect with the public and convey the party's vision for the State. He accused the BRS government of betraying the people of the state.

Additionally, Priyanka Gandhi is scheduled to campaign in Mahbubnagar on July 20 and Sonia Gandhi is expected to come on September 17 to Telangana, further intensifying the Congress party's efforts to gain a foothold in the State.

In contrast to the national leaders' campaign blitz, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has chosen to focus on governance and fulfilling the promises made to the people. Over the past few months, his administration has inaugurated numerous projects and initiatives that demonstrate the State's progress. From the opening of district collectorates to the completion of the ninth phase of Kaleshwaram project, from the establishment of a private rail coach factory to the inauguration of the Telangana martyr's memorial, from the inauguration of a new Secretariat to launch of a ward office system, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Government has shown its commitment to development and public welfare.

This emphasis on governance and the fulfillment of promises by the BRS Government underscores their focus on serving the people and delivering tangible results. While national leaders have sought to intensify their political heat, the State Government has been working diligently to improve infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, deliver on welfare activities and enhance the overall quality of life in Telangana.

It is important to note that both the BJP and the Congress are also grappling with internal challenges and dissidence within their respective parties in Telangana. The leadership change in Telangana BJP unit is a clear example that months before the elections, all is not well within the party. Union Minister Kishan Reddy has been tasked with heading the State unit while Bandi Sanjay has been ousted apparently due to internal bickering. This internal disarray raises questions about their organisational strength and their ability to present a united front in the upcoming elections.

As Telangana approaches the electoral crossroads, the contrasting approaches by the BJP and the Congress; and by the State Government are evident. While national parties are vying with each other for political dominance, the BRS government's steadfast focus on governance has been its trump card for seeking an extension for a third straight term.

The upcoming elections will undoubtedly determine the path the State chooses to tread, and it remains to be seen how the political landscape evolves in the months to come.