The political landscape in Telangana has been heating up due to an ongoing debate within political circles about the reported plans of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) to shift from his current Gajwel constituency to Kamareddy constituency for the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for December this year.
Despite neither KCR, nor his son KTR, nor any other prominent leader from BRS confirming or denying these speculations, the discussion surrounding KCR's potential constituency change continues to persist.
Adding more fuel to the fire, Kamareddy BRS MLA Gampa Govardhan stated that he had invited KCR to contest from Kamareddy in his place, and KCR responded positively.
Opposition parties have already launched an aggressive campaign targeting BRS and KCR on this issue, suggesting that KCR's move to Kamareddy signifies BRS's acknowledgment of potential defeat in Gajwel. This is the constituency from which KCR emerged victorious in 2014 and 2018, eventually becoming the CM.
Both the Congress and BJP, as part of the opposition, assert that if KCR himself is projected to lose according to survey reports, it reflects the prevailing anti-incumbency sentiment against the BRS government. They argue that if the leader himself is facing potential defeat, it doesn't bode well for the other 103 BRS sitting MLAs.
Nonetheless, BRS sources are defending the situation by noting that KCR has a history of changing constituencies. Prior to the establishment of TRS in 2001, he was an MLA from Siddipet multiple times. He also shifted to different Lok Sabha seats, including Karimnagar in 2004 and Mahabubnagar in 2009, achieving victory each time.
In 2014, KCR contested and won from both Medak Lok Sabha seat and Gajwel Assembly seat. However, he quickly resigned from the MP post after winning from Gajwel and assuming the CM position.
BRS sources are reminding opposition parties that KCR's ability to change constituencies and secure victories demonstrates his unique political acumen. They argue that this dynamic sets KCR apart from other leaders in the country.
While opposition parties suggest that KCR's potential move to Kamareddy reflects apprehension about losing in Gajwel, BRS contends that KCR's willingness to contest and succeed in various constituencies across Telangana showcases his adaptability and enhances BRS's prospects in North Telangana districts.