Opinion: Developmental issues trump sentimentality for voters in Telangana Elections

Hyderabad: The Telangana Assembly Elections 2023 is a closely contested election and people are asking each other who is going to gain. But who are they going to vote for? A question being smartly tackled by voters who are not willing to make their preferences public.

While the sentimental value of Telangana has ebbed since its beginning, what has come into focus is who has benefited the most and who hasn’t.

An ensuing battle of words, power play and survival are driving this election for the political parties. For the voters, it is old promises versus new along with a baggage of past experiences which will drive them to the polling booths to cast their vote on November 30.

A close fight

In Telangana, the battle lines are drawn between Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).

However, it’s a close contest between BRS and INC in most parts of the state. BRS which has showcased its welfare schemes, development and KCR-connect to Telangana is banking on the work it has done in the last nine and a half years to get back to power for a third term.

INC, riding high on the anti-incumbency factor, lack of jobs for the youth, corruption in the development projects and debt of the state is asking people to opt for change. The guarantees of the Congress party and the promises made by them in the manifesto are also points where they are asking the people of Telangana to look forward to a change.

BJP gains where Congress goofed

BJP is on a back foot but is also encashing on the anti-incumbency factor. It is also making leaps where the Congress party has goofed in parts of Telangana in the selection of its candidates. The Assembly constituency where there is an imprint of the BJP in small amounts is being strengthened with the influx of leaders from across India. These steps are being taken keeping the Lok Sabha elections in mind also.

AIMIM factor and Muslim votes

AIMIM has reached out to all sections of people asking them to come out and support them and the BRS candidates whom they have allied with for this election.

AIMIM has been repeatedly and regularly blamed by the Congress party for the division of Muslim votes not only in Telangana but across India. It has also put its weight behind the jamaat whose stand has got many perplexed. The rough and tough campaign of the Congress has only made AIMIM strengthen its resolve to watch over its stronghold more closely than ever. Who the Old City votes for is a matter of debate.

Will money and liquor work this time?

Money and liquor, alleged to be the biggest swingers in the elections of the past, are not expected to work this time. On the contrary, it is stated that ‘people will take money from all but will vote for their party anyway.’ The highest money detected and traced by the police is in Telangana with seizures crossing Rs 700 crores. This is the highest amount in all the five poll bound states.

Playing according to the tune

While the majority have made up their mind, there is a section still waiting for the tune to start swinging: those who are waiting for the benefits of the schemes, the quiet businessmen lining up for contracts, those not willing to showcase their preferences and those who are keeping mum fearing a backlash post-elections. The frank and free assessment is not favourable for the current climate as everyone has a different tune based on their past and present experiences and is unwilling to commit to one section.

Rural Vs semi-urban Vs urban

Unlike yesteryears where sentimental values weighed heavily in Telangana, it is not the case in these elections. In the rural belt, an anger quotient is driving them. The semi-urban population is looking for means and methods to fulfil its aspirations. There are youths who are not happy with the way the state has been treating them. In urban areas, the problems of a developed city and its burdened infrastructure are showing signs of fatigue and these are leading to challenges for which people are looking for an answer.

Country Vs State

From the beginning of the election campaign, the role of the State and its relation with the Central government has been a matter of scrutiny. What was once whispered in closed doors is now out in the open, leaving a trail of blame. Voters have been closely following the different connections – while some look at it as an attempt to tarnish the image of the state, others look at it as an open statement which was long overdue. Will this also lead to a swing in votes? Only December 3 will tell.

With the election process in Telangana and its effect on the upcoming general elections in 2024 being closely watched, a lot will depend on those who walk out of their homes and cast their votes.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of NewsMeter