Hyderabad: Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao on Tuesday urged party cadre to draw inspiration from the party’s recent victory in West Bengal and work diligently for the upcoming Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections. Addressing a meeting with division presidents and senior leaders from the GHMC, along with Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma, Rao stressed the importance of being fully prepared for the polls, which are likely to be held in September or October this year.
Delimitation and Ward Expansion
Rao noted that following the GHMC delimitation process, the number of wards has increased to 300, with reports suggesting it could rise further to 350. He emphasized that the BJP must be ready to contest in all wards and capitalize on the expanded electoral landscape.
Reflecting on 2020 Performance
Reflecting on the BJP’s strong performance in the 2020 GHMC elections, Rao pointed out that the party had won 48 seats independently, despite facing the combined political strength of the BRS and the AIMIM. He said the result demonstrated the growing confidence of the people of Hyderabad in the BJP and its leadership.
Candidate Selection Criteria
Rao made it clear that party tickets would be awarded only to dedicated party activists who are active in their communities and maintain close contact with the public. He stated that internal conflicts and group politics would not be tolerated. He added that the state and central leadership would work closely together, and that factors such as surveys, public acceptance, and winnability would play a crucial role in candidate selection.
Booth Committees and Monitoring
Rao also advised party workers that the central party is closely monitoring the elections and urged them to ensure that booth committees are properly formed and strengthened in every ward. He stressed that grassroots organization is key to success.
Political Stance on BRS
Taking a firm political stance, Rao asserted that the BRS is not a priority for the people today. He claimed that many BRS leaders are keen to join the BJP and that hundreds are already in contact with the party. He expressed confidence that the BJP will secure victories in all three proposed municipal corporations in the GHMC region and will emerge as the leading political force in Telangana.
Rao’s remarks come as the BJP aims to build on its recent electoral successes and expand its footprint in urban Telangana, particularly in Hyderabad, where the party has been making steady inroads.
