The Ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Indian National Congress (INC) have a lot of history and influence in the state, and both are trying to win the hearts and votes of the people. In this article, I will try to explain some of the factors that make this contest so close and interesting.
First, let us look at the background of BRS, which stands for Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi. This party was formed in 2001 by K. Chandrashekar Rao, who is also known as KCR. The main agenda of BRS is to fight for the separate statehood of Telangana, which was then part of united Andhra Pradesh.
BRS led a long and successful movement for Telangana, which finally resulted in the creation of the new state in 2014. Since then, BRS has been ruling Telangana, with KCR as the chief minister. BRS claims to have brought development, welfare and peace to the state, and enjoys a strong support base among the people due to schemes like Rythu Bandhu.
On the other hand, Congress is one of the oldest and largest national parties in India. Congress has a rich legacy of leading the freedom struggle and governing India for many years. Congress also played a key role in granting Telangana its statehood, as it was in power at the center when the decision was made.
Congress has a loyal following in Telangana, especially among the minorities, farmers and backward classes. Congress is led by A. Revanth Reddy, who is the president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee. Congress hopes to regain its lost glory in Telangana by highlighting the failures and corruption of BRS as well as riding on the promise of its 6 guarantees that is hopeful of attracting voters onto its side.
The C-Voter Survey has predicted that Congress could be getting nearly 64-70 seats in the Telangana Assembly Elections 2023 while the ruling BRS may be relegated to 30-45 seats while the BJP may be getting single-digit seats, out of the total 119 seats. Interestingly, the fight looks literally like a battle where BRS and Congress have equal chances of forming the government.
According to data and ground reports from several constituencies, there is a huge anti-incumbency wave against the current BRS government and the sitting MLAs. Therefore, many Congress candidates who have already been in the race in the past are likely to benefit from this wave of anti-incumbency against the government. Additionally, it is but natural for the people to feel discontent with the existing government as it usually happens after a 10-year period of governance.
Interestingly, Telangana CM KCR in his public meeting in Jagitial as part of the last leg of the election campaign appealed to people stating “I’m 70-years-old now. I’ve done everything for Telangana and this is my appeal to you. I will make Telangana a poverty-free state.” The tone and appeal clearly indicates that the BRS is desperate for votes this time as the battle looks dicey.