How BJP plans to keep Congress out of power in Telangana
Telangana assembly polls, which usually revolve around a contest between the ruling BRS party led by CM K Chandrashekhar Rao and the main contender Congress, might see a twist with the entry of the BJP. After a period of subdued enthusiasm following their defeat in neighboring Karnataka last May, the saffron party is now planning to field candidates for most of the 119 assembly seats in the state.
This move is expected to create a three-way contest on November 30.
The BJP's entry into the fray is likely to divide the anti-incumbency votes against the BRS, which is seeking a third consecutive term in office. Additionally, it may also dent the chances of Congress, which would have preferred a direct fight.
After facing a defeat in Karnataka, the BJP seemed to have lost its momentum to establish itself as a significant player in Telangana. On the other hand, Congress is buoyed by its victory in Karnataka and is ready to take on the BRS with renewed vigor.
The BJP had been eyeing gains in the state due to its success in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections in 2020, where it won 48 out of 150 seats.
Now, the party is preparing to contest most of the assembly seats, even though its prospects are low in many of them. The aim is to play the spoiler and prevent Congress from securing a majority of the anti-incumbency votes against the BRS, according to party strategists.
Given its limited presence on the ground, the BJP may face difficulties in finding candidates for several seats. Therefore, insiders reveal that the party plans to support strong independent candidates in constituencies where it lacks its own candidates.
While Congress gains momentum in the state, the BJP is more concerned about the
