In the run-up to the upcoming Assembly polls in Telangana, the three major political parties—BRS, Congress, and BJP—are grappling with challenges posed by rebel candidates who are dissatisfied with the denial of party tickets. As the deadline for withdrawing nominations approaches, parties are employing various strategies to appease these rebels and persuade them to step back from the electoral contest.
The presence of rebel candidates poses a threat to the official candidates by potentially dividing the vote share. All three parties are actively engaging with these rebels, offering alternative opportunities and incentives to convince them to withdraw their nominations. While the Congress is particularly affected by the rebel menace, the BJP is also dealing with similar issues. Even the ruling BRS is not immune, encountering roadblocks and heightened tensions in its bid for a third consecutive victory.
Notably, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is facing a challenge in his constituency, Gajwel, with 145 individuals filing 154 nominations on the last day. Among them are owners of Shankar Hills flats in Ranga Reddy Vattinagaulapally, expressing discontent over the government’s decision to demolish the flats for Outer Ring Road expansion.
Various interest groups, including sugarcane farmers demanding the reopening of the Mutyampet sugar factory and those affected by the Dharani portal, have also joined the fray with nominations. The BRS is actively working to mitigate rebel issues, with leaders reaching out to every candidate and urging them to withdraw to maintain the chief minister’s image.
The problem is more severe in Congress, with rebels challenging official candidates in several constituencies. The BJP, on the other hand, faces comparatively minor challenges from rebels in certain constituencies. As the withdrawal deadline is over, the political landscape in Telangana remains dynamic, with parties navigating the complexities posed by rebel candidates and striving to secure a favourable outcome in the upcoming elections.
