Modi 3.0: Cashing in on BRS’ declining graph, BJP eyes double-digit LS seats in Telangana

Hyderabad: Cashing in on the declining popularity graph of KCR-led BRS, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is aiming to win double-digit seats in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in Telangana.

The party had won one seat in 2014 and four seats in 2019.

The driving factor, BJP functionaries say, is the declining graph of BRS in the state post the assembly election debacle.

The saffron party sees this as an excellent opportunity to become a strong political alternative and main opposition to Congress in the state thereby making the party a force to reckon with. BJP is aiming to win double-digit seats from Telangana this time round.

BJP's high command and the state leadership are on the same page in reading the present political situation. PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have made a whirlwind visit to Telangana in the last fortnight. The duo are expecting to win a maximum number of Lok Sabha seats from South apart from Karnataka.

PM Modi toured Telangana on March 4 and 5 and addressed public meetings in Adilabad and Sangareddy districts. Later, Amit Shah visited Hyderabad on March 12. He interacted with polling booth workers and social media warriors of the saffron party. Modi is visiting Telangana again in the next ten days highlighting the party’s special focus on the region as part of southern push.

This time, he is set to hold road shows and address public meetings in Malkajgiri on March 15, Nagarkurnool on March 16, and Jagtial on March 18.

Party candidates from adjoining segments will be sharing the stage with Modi during the election campaign. G Kishan Reddy (Secunderabad), Eatala Rajender (Malkajgiri), Madhavi Latha (Hyderabad), and Boora Narsaiah Goud (Bhongir) will be joining Modi for the roadshow in Malkajgiri on March 15.

NVSS Prabhakar, BJP ex-MLA and in-charge for Modi meeting in Nagarkurnool said that the fight will be between Congress and BJP in Telangana as BRS is losing ground fast.

“We are placed well in 12 to 15 seats. We are confident of winning the maximum seats. The results will prove that BJP will be the main opposition to the Congress in Telangana. A positive wave and trend are being seen in favor of PM Modi, which will turn into a Tsunami in Telangana and across the country,” Prabhakar said.

Echoing similar sentiments, BJP senior leader and former vice-president S Malla Reddy said BJP will secure double-digit seats from Telangana. Eroding BRS support, Modi 3.0 wave will ensure maximum seats for BJP in Telangana, he added.

Malla Reddy said various central ministers, CMs of BJP ruled States and other star campaigners will be campaigning in the state apart from Shah and Modi. He did not rule out the chance of Modi’s visit once again to the state after election dates are announced.

Political Analyst Prof Nageshwar said that the BJP is expected to put up an improved show in the Lok Sabha elections.

“BJP got a 7 percent vote share in 2018 assembly polls, but in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections it secured a 19 percent vote share. In the 2023 assembly elections, it got a 14 percent vote share. If a similar trend is seen this time again, the party’s seat count will jump definitely,” Prof Nageshwar said.

He predicted that BJP’s vote share would substantially improve at the cost of BRS.

The fight will be between Congress and BJP in most of the segments barring a few like Khammam, Prof Nageshwar said.