Post-poll trends reveal straight contest between Congress and BJP; BRS struggling to come back in its traditional strongholds
HYDERABAD NEWS PRISM BUREAU
HYDERABAD- Following the conclusion of polling for 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana on May 13, political parties are now aggressively engaged in analyzing trends and estimating seat shares. Despite initial expectations of a three-way contest, post-poll trends have indicated a direct battle between the Congress and the BJP in 10 constituencies, with the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) failing to make significant inroads, fielding candidates in only three constituencies.
In Telangana, polling in the fourth phase of General Elections recorded an approximate voter turnout of 64.74%, according to ECI updates. Out of the 17 Lok Sabha seats, both Congress and BRS are claiming victory in 10 seats each, but the Congress leadership appears confident in their prospects. They assert that Muslims and women have voted overwhelmingly in favour of Congress candidates, citing the implementation of welfare schemes and the announcement of a loan waiver as key factors influencing voter sentiment.
Poll observers suggested that the BRS might have lost the minority vote this time, despite their success in the recent assembly elections, where the support of Muslim voters played a pivotal role. The decision of Muslims to rally behind the Congress, aiming to directly challenge the BJP and combat divisive politics, has been noted as a significant shift in Telangana’s political landscape.
Reports from polling stations and party agents, as well as feedback from polling station committees, have made the Congress leadership too much optimistic about the poll results. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy recently asserted that the Congress is poised to win at least 10 Lok Sabha seats with the backing of Muslim and women voters. The campaign led by Muslim religious and social organizations to counter communal forces has reportedly yielded positive results, especially in Secunderabad, Karimnagar, and Nizamabad constituencies.
On the other hand, the BJP, relying on the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed confidence in securing a stable government at the centre. Contesting all 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana for the first time, the BJP aims for double-digit victories. With a focus on the Hindu majority vote bank and youth voters, the BJP anticipates success in at least six to eight seats.
Whereas, leaders of the BRS remain cautious, awaiting detailed reports from polling stations before making definitive claims about winning seats. Despite hopes pinned on the Muslim vote bank, the party acknowledges the uncertainty until the results are declared.
As Telangana awaits the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections, the triangular contest among the Congress, BJP, and BRS underscores the dynamic political landscape and the evolving electoral calculus in the state. However, poll analysts are predicting that the main fight will be between the Congress and the BJP, while the BRS might lose its traditional voter base. Nevertheless, anything can happen in this triangular contest.