The bypoll in Medak is necessitated by the resignation of TRS chief K Chandrasekhara Rao who chose to retain the Gajwel assembly seat, falling within the Lok Sabha constituency, to become the first chief minister of Telangana.
It was entirely Rao’s show in governance since he took oath on June 2. Saturday’s election is also centred on the CM who this week completed 100 days of his rule.
However, the poll is going to be a reaffirmation of the Telangana sentiment in the region. As of now, the TRS government is yet to fulfil its poll promises like farm loan waivers while the state is struggling to prepare its first budget.
Rao, however, continues to be popular with his gift of gab — promising a golden Telangana on one side and stoking the Telangana sentiment further on the other by targeting his detractors.
While rivals Congress and the TDP-BJP combine are attacking Rao’s lack of commitment and his “autocratic rule”, their campaign does not seem to have many takers in the constituency. “The Telangana sentiment is intact and people here are still swayed by it,” said G Narasimhulu, an auto driver in Gajwel. “What is the point of voting anyone else when it’s the TRS in government here?” he said.
The TRS, which has put up a businessman Kotha Prabhakar Reddy as the candidate, is confident of a win akin to the 3.7 lakh vote majority Rao won last time.
{{/usCountry}}The TRS, which has put up a businessman Kotha Prabhakar Reddy as the candidate, is confident of a win akin to the 3.7 lakh vote majority Rao won last time.
{{/usCountry}}Still, Rao is not taking chances. Addressing a rally in Narsapur two days ago, he appealed: “This is your CM’s district. People would laugh at us if our majority is reduced. So, give me more votes this time and I will promise to keep up all my promises.”