Hyderabad Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, currently on an official visit to the United States, conducted a crucial online meeting on Saturday with key Congress leaders to strategize for the upcoming municipal elections in Telangana. The virtual conference included AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan, TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud, deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka, and several ministers.
Strategic Directions for Municipal Polls
During the comprehensive discussion, CM Revanth Reddy issued specific directives to party leaders regarding candidate selection and election strategy. He emphasized the importance of issuing B-Forms to candidates who demonstrate the highest winning prospects based on recent surveys and internal assessments.
Ambitious Electoral Targets
The Chief Minister set an ambitious target for the Congress party, aiming to secure victory in at least 90% of the seats in the municipal elections. He stressed that these elections should be approached with utmost seriousness and dedication, drawing parallels to the successful teamwork demonstrated during the Jubilee Hills bypoll.
Learning from Past Experiences
Revanth Reddy explicitly cautioned party leaders against repeating mistakes made during the recent panchayat elections. He emphasized that candidates being finalized for municipal polls must enjoy greater public support and confidence compared to those being fielded by opposition parties, specifically mentioning the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Comprehensive Electoral Strategy
The Chief Minister outlined a multi-faceted approach to ensure electoral success:
- Focus on winning every division and every ward through concentrated efforts
- Active engagement with potential rebels to ensure their withdrawal from the electoral fray
- Special attention to municipalities where the party currently shows weakness
- Elimination of gaps between constituency in-charges and ministers for better coordination
Cautious Approach to Leadership Positions
In a significant strategic decision, Revanth Reddy advised party leaders against prematurely finalizing candidates for mayor, deputy mayor, and chairperson positions. He explained that several critical factors need careful consideration, including caste equations, social justice aspects, and other political dynamics.
Though some urban local bodies like Nalgonda have already announced mayoral candidates, the Chief Minister clarified that final decisions would only be made after election results are declared, ensuring the most suitable candidates are selected based on actual electoral performance.
Return and Campaign Schedule
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is expected to return to Hyderabad from the United States either on Sunday night or in the early hours of Monday. Following his return, he is likely to launch his official campaign for the municipal elections on February 3 or February 4, marking the beginning of intensive electioneering activities.
Minister's Perspective on Elections
In a related development, Revenue and Housing Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy addressed the significance of the upcoming municipal elections during his campaign activities on Saturday. He characterized the February 11 polls as a referendum on the two years of Congress governance in Telangana.
Confident Political Assessment
Minister Ponguleti described the municipal elections as semi-finals and expressed confidence that the Congress party faces no real competition from any opposition party. He referenced the party's significant victory in the recent panchayat elections as evidence of continued public support.
The minister emphasized that the Congress is issuing tickets only to candidates who work closely and harmoniously with the people, maintaining that the party's doors remain open to those willing to join its ranks. He specifically mentioned how BRS leaders had previously described the Jubilee Hills bypoll as a referendum on the Congress government's performance, only to face humiliation when rejected by voters.
Extensive Campaign Activities
Minister Ponguleti conducted an extensive campaign tour on Saturday, covering multiple municipalities to support Congress candidates. His whirlwind tour began at Edulapuram in the Palair constituency and extended through Thorrur, Wardhannapet, and Jangaon municipalities in Mahabubabad district.
Welfare Schemes as Election Platform
During his campaign speeches, the minister highlighted various welfare schemes implemented by the Congress government, presenting them as evidence of the administration's commitment to public welfare. These include:
- The Indiramma housing scheme providing affordable housing solutions
- Free bus travel facilities for women across the state
- Subsidized gas cylinders available for Rs 500
- 200 units of free electricity for eligible households
Ponguleti asserted that all government promises are being fulfilled systematically, with these schemes serving as tangible proof of the Congress government's dedication to public welfare.
Infrastructure and Development Focus
The minister emphasized that improving urban infrastructure, strengthening drainage systems, and speeding up civic services can only be achieved through the victory of Congress candidates in municipal elections. He expressed confidence in the coordinated efforts of Congress cadres and predicted a clean sweep for the party in the upcoming polls.
Personal Commitment to Development
In a notable commitment, Minister Ponguleti announced his personal adoption of Thorrur municipality, pledging to develop it on par with his own Palair constituency. He promised to work diligently to ensure that all state government welfare schemes reach the people effectively and efficiently.
The comprehensive preparations and strategic planning demonstrated by both the Chief Minister and senior ministers indicate the Congress party's serious approach to the municipal elections, with clear objectives and well-defined strategies aimed at securing a decisive victory.
