Telangana Polls: BJP and Congress challenge KCR’s hat-trick bid

Voting for Telangana’s 119 seats commenced today, with the ruling BRS facing stiff competition from the Congress and the BJP amid anti-incumbency sentiments. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is relying on social welfare schemes for a third consecutive term.

Early voters included former cricketer Mohd Azharuddin and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy. BRS lawmaker K Kavitha, questioned in the Delhi liquor case, also cast her vote. Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao participated, with a 36.7% voter turnout by 1 pm.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized a “record voter turnout” and urged young voters to participate. KCR, termed the ‘founding father’ of Telangana, contested from Kamareddy and Gajwel. Voting paused for 30 minutes in Kamareddy due to an EVM malfunction.

The Congress, boosted by Karnataka’s victory, aims to close the gap with BRS, capitalizing on BJP’s corruption allegations against KCR. The party alleges a secret deal between its rivals and highlights K Kavitha’s questioning.

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The BJP seeks a strong showing after losing power in the south, facing internal scrutiny over leadership changes and an alliance with Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena. Telangana’s election is crucial before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, concluding the round of elections in five states. Counting for all states will occur on Sunday.