Congress Surge or BJP Surge? Decoding the Telangana Verdict.
Poonam Sharma
Telangana Elections: A ‘Miracle’ Win or an ‘Alarming’ Defeat?
The mood of election results in Indian politics is often unpredictable. Recently, the BJP’s ‘victory chariot’ showed immense speed in states like Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Bihar, leading many to expect a similar miracle in Telangana. However, the emerging data from Telangana’s mini-municipal and corporation elections has puzzled political analysts nationwide. While there are celebrations for the BJP in Karimnagar and Nizamabad, the overall state figures have sounded an alarm for the party.
Piercing Owaisi’s Fortress and the ‘Historic’ Lotus in Karimnagar
In Telangana politics, certain regions are considered impregnable fortresses. What the BJP achieved this time in areas like Karimnagar and Nizamabad is nothing short of a ‘miracle.’ The BJP’s victory in Karimnagar is historic, marking the first time the party will lead the corporation there. Dominating with a significant lead and leaving Congress at 14 and BRS at just 9 seats, the BJP has established its authority. This success is particularly significant as it is the bastion of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay, whose contribution to building the BJP in Telangana has been incomparable.
Similarly, in Nizamabad and Adilabad, the BJP has taken a lead, giving tough competition to both the Congress and Owaisi’s party (AIMIM). This sends a strong message to those who believed the ‘Lotus’ could not bloom in the face of appeasement politics.
The Web of Numbers: A Grand Victory or a Crushing Defeat?
In the news cycle, two narratives are emerging—one says “Setback for BJP” and the other says “BJP’s Shocking Performance.” What is the truth? When we look at the results of over 2,800 wards, the picture becomes blurry. According to data available by 7:30 PM, Congress has captured over 1,500 seats, while BRS is at 700+. Meanwhile, the BJP appears to be struggling at around 285 seats.
While the BJP equaled Congress by winning 8 out of 17 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, slipping to the third position in local elections is a major setback. BRS, which scored zero in the Lok Sabha, is also looking significantly ahead of the BJP in these local polls. This situation suggests a major lapse in grassroots organization and leadership
Lessons for the Future: A Rise Like Gujarat or a Decline Like Jharkhand?
Telangana has always been a ray of hope for the BJP. Recall 1984, when the BJP won only two seats nationwide—one from Mehsana in Gujarat and the other from Hanamkonda in Telangana (then Andhra Pradesh). Today, Gujarat is an impregnable fortress for the BJP, but the party is still struggling in Telangana. Is the story of Jharkhand, following the removal of Raghubar Das, being repeated in Telangana after sidelining Bandi Sanjay?
These results are a matter of introspection for the BJP leadership. A ‘grand victory’ in just a few cities cannot change the mood of the entire state. If the party wants to fully open this gateway to South India, it must rethink its strategies and local leadership. This election is both a ‘warning bell’ and an ‘opportunity for reform.
