Hyderabad: As the election campaign season heats up in Telangana State, the leadership of Bharatiya Rashtriya Samithi (BRS) finds itself in turbulent waters. Protests have become an increasingly common sight during their campaign tours, with the general public voicing their concerns and discontent about the failures in various development projects, funding allocations, and welfare schemes. In the last three days after the BRS intensified campaign in the state, its leaders have been pushed to the wall for failures of developmental projects and failed promises.
Across different constituencies, BRS leaders are encountering a wave of public frustration, and the rising disquiet is painting a challenging picture for the party’s election strategy. The public’s concerns are multifaceted, ranging from demands for improved development projects to calls for transparency in funding allocation and the equitable distribution of welfare schemes.
In one recent incident that underlines the growing unrest, the Cherial Joint Action Committee (JAC) organised a Deeksha, demanding the official declaration of Cherial as a revenue division. Tensions escalated when the agitators attempted to block the convoy of Minister Harish Rao, who was passing through the junction. Adding fuel to the fire, MLC Palla Rajeshwar Reddy arrived at the Deeksha venue, only to be met with vociferous slogans demanding his departure.
Similarly, in Peddapalli Constituency’s Sulthanabad mandal, Kanukula village, a concerned woman confronted BRS MLA Dasari Manohar Reddy, questioning him on the status of double-bedroom houses and pensions. The incident reflects the palpable anxiety of the electorate about the state of welfare initiatives in the region.
The discontent spreads to other districts as well. In Nagar Kurnool district’s Bijinapally mandal, GundlaNarvala village, BRS MLA Marri Janardhan Reddy faced an irate crowd during an election campaign visit. Village residents stopped the MLA’s vehicle, resulting in clashes between BRS supporters and villagers, further underscoring the tension brewing on the campaign trail.
Jadcharla Constituency witnessed similar incidents when BRS MLA Laxmareddy faced scrutiny from residents of Peddabavi Thanda village about the progress of various development projects. These interactions are indicative of the growing mistrust among the public regarding the efficacy of government schemes.
Adding to the bubbling discontent, protests have erupted due to perceived irregularities in the implementation of the so called ‘flagship welfare schemes’- Dalit Bandhu, BC Bandhu, and Double Bedroom schemes, as well as the Gruha Laxmi scheme. In numerous constituencies, beneficiaries have taken to the streets, alleging that only BRS supporters are reaping the benefits of these programmes, while the broader public is left struggling.
As election day looms, the mounting protests and public dissatisfaction present a formidable challenge for the BRS leadership. Addressing these concerns and restoring faith in their governance and development promises will be crucial for the party’s electoral prospects. How BRS responds to these grievances will ultimately determine its fate in the upcoming elections. With Indian National Congress gaining grounds every passing day, the 50 day window to the elections appears to be highly inadequate for the BRS to even scratch the surface of public support eco-system