Telangana is one of the states going to the polls along with four others. While leaders from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh dominate the headlines, similar is not the case with Telangana. The election in this southern state will determine the fate of the sitting Chief Minister, KCR, and serve as a litmus test for Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, who have been actively campaigning in the state to boost the Congress party.
In the past, the late YSR Reddy was a charismatic leader for the Congress who won the undivided state and contributed to the formation of UPA 2 in terms of MPs. However, Congress’s decision to create Telangana resulted in the party’s decline in both Andhra and Telangana, leading to KCR’s rise. This time, the situation is somewhat different. After KCR’s ten-year rule, Congress is making a determined effort in Telangana, with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi conducting rallies and roadshows.
Inspired by their success in Karnataka, Congress has adopted a similar model in Telangana to attract voters. Rahul Gandhi has announced various schemes, including financial assistance to women, free bus travel, and affordable gas cylinders. KCR, on the other hand, has his own popularity on the ground, built during his decade in power. His government’s flagship social schemes are his strong points.
During campaign events, there have been exchanges of words between Gandhi and the KCR government, with allegations of corruption. Responding to Congress leader KT Rama Rao, who is a minister and KCR’s son, KTR stated that Rahul lacks a true understanding of the ground situation and is merely reading from scripts provided by local leaders.
Another factor at play is the influence of Owaisi, whose party attracts the minority vote in Telangana. Owaisi is in alliance with KCR, which makes it challenging for Congress to compete for these votes. Owaisi has been critical of Congress and Rahul Gandhi.
The BJP is also eager to make inroads in Telangana and appointed Cabinet Minister G. Kishan Reddy as the party president ahead of the elections.
On the ground, it appears to be a two-way battle between KCR and Congress, with KCR having an advantage due to his leadership in the state’s formation and subsequent development. However, Congress sees an opportunity due to perceived anti-incumbency against KCR.
If Congress wins in Telangana, the credit would largely go to the Gandhi siblings, as there are no prominent local faces in the state to take the credit. In contrast, wins in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, or Chhattisgarh have strong local leaders, making a Telangana victory a significant milestone for the Gandhis.