As the Telangana Legislative Assembly election campaign reaches its climax in the next five days, the Congress party's leadership is grappling with a challenging situation of dwindling crowds. Sparse attendance at both local candidates' meetings and those featuring high-profile figures like Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge has sent shockwaves through the party ranks.
Once known for its grand rallies and passionate supporters, the Congress now struggles to attract even a modest turnout. This stark contrast to the enthusiastic crowds at BRS meetings raises concerns about the grand old party's diminishing fortunes, just a week before the polls.
The Congress is facing internal strife with last-minute changes to candidates, attempting to keep its supporters content. Simultaneously, the absence of large crowds at meetings featuring top leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and State president Revanth Reddy, is causing panic.
A minimal crowd attended AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge's meetings in Gadwal and Nalgonda, despite efforts to mobilize crowds in the days leading up to the events. Priyanka Gandhi's meetings in several constituencies on Friday were also sparsely attended, with expectations of 30,000 attendees at a meeting in Husnabad dashed by a crowd of only 5,000.
Revanth Reddy's meetings faced a similar fate, with arrangements for 10,000 people at each location, but fewer than 1,000 turning up. Videos of Revanth Reddy's condescending attitude toward his cadre went viral, depicting instances where he shoved them away or stomped on them when they sought a selfie or handshake. His aggressive rhetoric against Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) has backfired, alienating voters seeking a more nuanced and constructive discourse.
Internal divisions within the Congress, with over a dozen Chief Ministerial candidates, have further confused voters, undermining the party's credibility and weakening its appeal. In some events led by Revanth Reddy, protests erupted over alleged non-distribution of promised money to attendees.
In contrast, BRS roadshows continue to attract large crowds, indicating unwavering support for the incumbent party. Chief Minister KCR's meetings receive overwhelming enthusiasm, with beneficiaries of various schemes eagerly awaiting his speeches. Despite threats of rain, people gather in large numbers, reminiscent of the Telangana movement spearheaded by the Chief Minister.
