Opposition on a sticky wicket in Telangana State

The political scenario in Telangana State is changing at such a brisk pace that it is giving scope for unique polarisations and unforeseen equations. Not surprisingly, each party is eyeing the pot of gold as and when Assembly elections are held next. For long, it was presumed that the 2019 elections would be a straight contest between the ruling TRS and the Congress, which currently is the main opposition party.

It was generally perceived in political circles that the internal democracy-driven Congress, which is moving in a directionless manner, is presenting a godsend opportunity for TRS to retain power with a cakewalk win at the hustings. On its part, and driven against the wall, the Congress think tank feels that it could improve its image and bolster electoral prospects by mobilising people on the TRS-government’s ineptness in honouring welfare-measure promises besides exploiting the anti-incumbency sentiment that is believed to be of a very high order.

However, in a major blow to the aspirations of Congress leaders, as also those from other opposition parties, the government is serving political aces with rare dexterity. By drumming up several community-based welfare programmes, TRS is gradually winning back the confidence of the people, which appeared to be eroding in some pockets. With the latest masterstroke, the TRS has caught the opposition off-guard. They all find themselves on a sticky wicket.

However, TRS pundits indicate that the party leadership is quite aware of the changing dynamics on the surface, a fact that is compelling them to redraw their strategies so as to score over the opposition game-plan and a possible multi-cornered fight. They are confronted with a double-edged situation.

On the one hand, they have to marginalize the prospects of Congress while on the other they have to neutralize the BJP, which threatens to go aggressive with its ‘influential’ Amit Shah-inspired roadmap for 2019. In a significant blow to its calculations, the pro-BJP stance (for apparent reasons) has not only backfired but also boomeranged on the TRS as the saffron party, buoyant after the UP elections, has decided to go it alone in Telangana State.

To rub salt, the BJP is pushing for SC categorization. Should that transpire, one could see a substantial chunk of SCs shifting loyalties and inching closer to BJP, which is simultaneously attempting to win over the support of BCs. These developments could sound political doom for every other party, including TRS.

Though the TDP has lost its ground, it still commands about 10 to 15,000 votes in each constituency, which can split the votes and tilt the verdict one way or the other. As far as Hyderabad is concerned, a typical scenario is emerging. Both the BJP and TRS want to storm the bastion of AIMIM, which is nothing short of a herculean task. This is even as AIMIM and TRS are considered to be pally with each other, particularly in the Assembly.

In the given circumstances, the ensuing plenary session of TRS assumes significance. In all the meetings, KCR, KTR and Harish Rao are mostly targeting the Congress party, while declaring that the TDP is virtually non-existent. The K Keshav Rao-headed committee, constituted to draft the resolutions, feels that emphasis should on welfare schemes and BCs welfare.

The 2019 roadmap that is to be unveiled during the plenary will be its weapon to negate the efforts of the opposition. The party is likely to make it clear to the rank and file that they need to ensure effective implementation of the policies and programmes formulated by the government while launching awareness campaigns as a means to win over the trust of the masses.

Political circles believe that, thanks to survey findings and the stated opinions of the party boss with regard to underperforming ministers and other NPAs, the second rung leaders will be over-enthusiastic in their interactions with people as they see an opportunity to get party tickets, next time around. That spirit may come as a blessing in disguise for the TRS is the belief doing the rounds.

By V RAMU SARMA