GWMC polls: BJP braces up for encore to pin down TRS in Warangal

BJP won the GWMC mayor seat in partnership with Telugu Desam Party in 2000. Once again the party is strategizing to take bold steps in that direction.

Despite contesting all 58 divisions in 2016, it won only one seat. It however did give stiff competition to TRS in many divisions. It lost by a narrow margin in 30 divisions. It lost by just 20 to 30 votes in 2 divisions, 50 votes in 7 divisions, and 150 votes in 5 divisions.

This time, the BJP is once again contesting all 66 divisions.

The BJP, which sees the TRS as its main rival party, sharpened its attack on the KCR government. Cashing in on the shoddy relief work during last year's catastrophic floods in the city, BJP is firing all guns to pin down TRS.

It tried to expose the TRS-led GWMC administration and attract the attention of the people. The TRS' attempt to clamp down on the BJP led to the attacks and counter-attacks between the two parties.

Many BJP leaders are showing interest in contesting the corporation elections this time. So far, 620 applications have been received from people desiring to contest polls. There are 10 to 15 competitors in each division.

An exercise is underway to select those who have a winning chance. Those who have the support of the people along with manpower and strong finances are being favored. It was decided to give preference to those who had contested in the past and lost by a narrow margin. Attempts to rope in leaders of other parties capable of winning are also being made. Negotiations are underway to invite them to the party.

Warangal Corporation Election In-Charge and former MP Jitender Reddy is camping in the city and preparing the list of candidates.

The party leaders are optimistic that the BJP will win a maximum of 50 divisions in this election.