The upcoming Telangana Assembly elections are shaping up to be a multi-dimensional contest influenced by Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao’s strategic moves.
Instead of a simple performance-based competition, the election landscape has transformed into a three-way clash among personalities: K.T. Rama Rao of the BRS (formerly TRS), Bandi Sanjay representing the BJP, and A. Revanth Reddy from the Congress.
Chandrashekar Rao’s ambitions for a role in national politics have triggered a power vacuum in state politics, intensifying the battle for 2023. While the public craves a direct, high-profile campaign, the real contest is submerged within the dynamics of the BRS, Congress, and BJP.
Internally, the BRS has rallied behind the idea that Rama Rao is the prospective Chief Minister should the party secure victory. This sentiment has gained traction, evident in public endorsements and acknowledgements from party leaders, while Chandrashekar Rao’s shift towards national politics has led to a clear division of responsibilities, with Rama Rao assuming a more prominent role in state matters. In the Congress camp, A. Revanth Reddy has emerged as a significant figure, positioning himself as a leading CM candidate. He emphasizes welfare promises and draws on the legacy of influential leaders, although the party maintains a front of deciding leadership post-election.
Besides Revanth Reddy, several other senior leaders such as Jana Reddy, Uttam Kumar Reddy, Jagga Reddy, Komati Reddy Venkat Reddy, Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and Damodar Raja Narsimha are also actively contending for the Chief Minister’s seat. Jana Reddy asserts with confidence that he is not in direct competition for the CM position, stating that the CM role awaits him. Meanwhile, Komati Reddy Venkat Reddy emphasizes that Revanth Reddy is not the sole significant figure within the Congress
Similarly, the BJP, without a declared CM face, heavily relies on the influence of Bandi Sanjay Kumar, who visibly spearheads the party’s campaign. Despite the BJP’s electoral strength, it lacks a definitive grasp of non-Hindi regional politics and emphasises a Hindutva-centric campaign against the perceived accommodating stance of the BRS towards certain groups.
The 2023 Telangana battle has evolved into a contest where Chandrashekar Rao aims for a national role, while three undeclared Chief Ministerial candidates vie for dominance on the regional front. This clash of personalities within the political arena sets the stage for a compelling electoral showdown.