Political analysts and party insiders report that Congress has garnered significant support from Muslim and women voters.
Team Clarion
HYDERABAD – The recently concluded polling for the 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana has set the stage for a highly competitive political battle, with post-poll trends indicating a neck-and-neck contest between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 10 key constituencies. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), once a formidable contender, is seen as struggling to maintain its influence.
Despite initial predictions of a three-way tussle involving the Congress, BJP, and BRS, the electoral trends suggest a straight fight between the Congress and BJP. Political analysts and party insiders report that Congress has garnered significant support from Muslims and women, boosting its confidence in clinching a substantial number of seats.
A key factor in the Congress’s optimistic outlook is the unified support from Muslim voters, a demographic that previously bolstered BRS in the recent Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections. The Congress claims this shift is pivotal in countering BJP’s influence and combating sectarian politics.
BRS, which had enjoyed minority support in past elections, is now grappling with its declining influence. The party’s inability to secure a larger presence in this election is in stark contrast to its previous successes. A BRS insider, requesting anonymity, said the party was in a state of confusion. “Trends are not in our favour, and we are yet to understand the full extent of the damage,” he said.
Reports indicate that the Muslim community has overwhelmingly favoured Congress. This shift is attributed to a widespread campaign by Muslim religious and social organisations urging voters to support Congress to combat the BJP’s divisive politics. Acknowledging the overwhelming support of Muslims and women, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy exuded confidence in stating that the Congress would grab at least 10 Lok Sabha seats.
Additionally, the Congress’s promises, such as the Ritu Bhoshar Scheme funds and a loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh, have resonated well with farmers. The implementation of these schemes before the elections has seemingly solidified their support base.
Congress’s focus on social guarantees has also attracted significant support from women. Initiatives like free travel for women on RTC buses and financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month post-elections have played a crucial role. Furthermore, the promise of cooking gas cylinders at Rs 500 and 200 units of free electricity for the poor has further swayed voters in favour of Congress.
BJP Optimistic
On the other hand, the BJP remains optimistic, banking on the charisma of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party’s appeal to Hindu majority voters and the youth. A BJP spokesperson said, “This election is a crucial step towards forming a stable government at the Centre. We are confident of securing significant victories.”
BJP’s internal assessments suggest a strong performance in eight to ten seats, potentially securing six to eight seats from Telangana. The BJP’s extensive campaign across all 17 constituencies indicates their serious intent and robust ground-level strategies.
BRS’s Uncertain Future
The BRS leadership, while refraining from making premature statements, is cautiously analysing the evolving electoral landscape. The party hopes to clarify its position once comprehensive reports from polling stations are reviewed. A senior BRS leader commented, “It’s too early to make a conclusive statement. We need a few more days to understand the complete picture.”
Several constituencies have emerged as battlegrounds with significant implications for all parties involved. In Secunderabad, Karimnagar, Mahbubnagar, Zaheerabad, Nalgonda, Bhongir, Nizamabad, Warangal, and Adilabad, the Muslim voter trend strongly favours Congress. The party is banking on these constituencies to bolster its overall tally.
Congress leaders believe the implementation of their ‘five guarantees’ has resonated deeply with voters, particularly women.
The narratives driving voter support vary significantly between the parties. Congress’s focus on social welfare schemes and promises of economic relief appears to have struck a chord with a broad base of voters. Meanwhile, the BJP’s campaign leverages national security, economic progress, and Modi’s leadership to attract support.
