Once again, the people of Telangana have gone by their sentiment and they are giving a clear mandate in favour of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). In the first few rounds itself, the TRS has established its lead in over 85 segments while the People’s Front is trailing with its lead only around 17 segments.

TRS electioneering initially depended on the elaborate welfare schemes launched by the KCR government to attract farmers and women in rural Telangana and double bedroom houses for those living in urban centres. KCR also implemented several schemes to win the favour of minority muslim community.

But once the Congress and the TDP tied up, KCR turned the tables on his rivals and began whipping up the Telangana sentiment without losing any time. He straight away hit out at the Congress leaders saying they were trying to bring the ‘outsiders’ rule which was against the spirit of the agitation they fought for many decades for separate statehood.

Another factor that worked against Congress is community dynamics. Thought the Reddy community has polarised to some extent in favour of the Congress, it has proved not enough. KCR has banked on the ‘Velamas’ as well as ‘Muslims’ heavily while getting support on the strength of his welfare schemes. Eventually, KCR’s multi-pronged strategy paid off putting TRS in a strong position.

G.Ravikiran