In a significant political development, the Congress party has secured a decisive victory in the recent panchayat elections across Telangana. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy declared this sweep as a clear public endorsement of his government's performance and its success in restoring a democratic environment in the state.
Public Verdict on Welfare and Democracy
Addressing the media on Thursday after the conclusion of the polls, CM Revanth Reddy stated that the people's verdict reflects their confidence in a government that fulfills promises and ensures freedom, fairness, and transparency. He described the creation of a free and fair democratic atmosphere as the effective delivery of a ‘seventh guarantee’ by his administration.
The Chief Minister highlighted several key initiatives launched by his government since taking power in December 2023. These include the provision of fine rice, loan waivers, a free bus travel scheme, a Rs 500 bonus for paddy farmers, and the filling of 61,000 government jobs. He contrasted this with the previous BRS regime, alleging that people felt restricted then, whereas now they can move freely and vote without fear.
"We did not engage in vendetta politics or misuse power during these elections," Revanth Reddy asserted, claiming his government fostered a transparent process.
Dominant Numbers and Opposition Allegations
The Chief Minister presented detailed figures to underline Congress's dominance in the panchayat polls. He announced that Congress-backed and rebel candidates won a total of 8,325 sarpanch posts out of 12,702 where elections were held, translating to a commanding 66 per cent victory rate.
Further breaking down the results, he said that in 94 assembly segments where elections took place, the Congress secured a majority of sarpanch seats in 87 segments. The opposition BRS managed a majority in only six segments, and the BJP in just one.
Launching a sharp attack on the opposition, Revanth Reddy accused the BRS and BJP of acting as covert allies. He claimed their coordination was evident during the campaign, with comments made by BRS working president KT Rama Rao being routinely echoed by Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy the following day. "This election was a trial for their alliance, and they will work together in the upcoming assembly elections," he alleged.
Road to 2029 and Future Plans
Buoyed by the results, the Chief Minister expressed strong confidence about the party's future prospects. He pointed out that since assuming power, the Congress has won two assembly by-elections in Hyderabad, where it had drawn a blank in the 2023 polls. "Now, the local polls attest to Congress's potential to secure a two-thirds majority in the 2029 elections," he added.
On the pending municipal elections, Revanth Reddy said his government would seek a wider political consensus. He plans to convene a special session of the assembly to gather opinions from opposition parties on conducting the local polls and addressing the complex issue of 42 per cent reservations for Backward Classes (BC).
Revanth Reddy also threw a challenge to former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, daring him to demand a special assembly session to discuss Krishna and Godavari water sharing agreements and question the Congress if it failed to protect Telangana's interests. He noted with significance that the Congress won a considerable number of sarpanch seats in Gajwel, which is KCR's own constituency.
Claiming internal turmoil within the BRS, the CM suggested that KTR's statements on the panchayat results stemmed from factional competition within the party. "He is touring districts due to internal rifts," Revanth said, recalling that the BRS itself had framed these local body elections as a referendum. "The people have clearly shown their support for Congress," he concluded.
