As the anticipation for the upcoming Assembly polls in Telangana reaches its peak, most surveys indicate a closely contested race between the reigning BRS and the Opposition Congress.In the event of a hung verdict, political circles suggest that the advantage may tilt towards the BRS.
The BRS enjoys a certain flexibility in seeking support from any party to secure a government formation.On the other hand, the Congress faces political constraints, being unable to align with the BJP, as pointed out by political pundits.
While Telugu voters have historically not favored a hung verdict in Assembly polls, recent surveys have sparked lively debates over the possibility of a divided Assembly in Telangana.The fine margin in vote share between BRS and Congress, as indicated by the surveys, may lead to a fractured verdict and a potentially hung Assembly.
Comments from BJP’s general secretary (organisation), B.L.Santosh, on October 6 further fueled the speculation.During a gathering of over 1,100 party delegates, Santosh predicted a hung Assembly and asserted that the BJP would rise to power in such a scenario.
Rumors circulated that the recent meeting of BJP’s central election committee saw high-profile figures like BJP national president J.P.Nadda, Union home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh, and B.L.Santosh delve into the prospect of a hung assembly.Discussions extended to state president G.Kishan Reddy and CEC member K.Laxman, exploring potential courses of action in such a scenario.
With multiple surveys hinting that both BRS and Congress might fall short of the 60-seat threshold to form a government, BRS may seek support from AIMIM, projected to retain its seven seats.There’s also the potential for BRS to explore BJP’s backing to thwart Congress from assuming power in Telangana, akin to Congress’ support for JD(S) in Karnataka in 2018.In this intricate web of possibilities, AIMIM’s stance may hold the key.
Yet, Congress finds itself with fewer strategic options, given its inability to solicit BJP’s support and its strained relations with AIMIM.The political landscape in Telangana is poised for an intriguing turn of events, as parties maneuver to secure their positions in the political theatre.
