Telangana politics has suddenly become more intense with reports suggesting that the BRS president and Chief Minister, K. Chandrashekar Rao, are likely to announce the initial list of BRS candidates for the upcoming Assembly polls on Monday, coinciding with the auspicious "Shravana Somavaram."
Within BRS circles, there are discussions that surveys commissioned by KCR have revealed that approximately 30 incumbent BRS MLAs have performed poorly, and to secure those 30 seats again, replacements may be necessary.
However, a pressing question remains: Will KCR dare to replace 30 sitting MLAs all at once? This move could potentially lead to rebellion among these MLAs, causing them to migrate to other parties or contest as independent candidates.
Although these MLAs may not have the ability to win the election according to BRS surveys, they could still significantly impact the election results through vote splitting.
Over the past nine years, BRS sitting MLAs have accumulated substantial wealth and are prepared to spend generously to secure votes. If they are denied party tickets, they may align themselves with Congress or BJP and utilize their considerable financial resources to thwart BRS candidates.
There is also concern that they may financially contribute to Congress or BJP as a form of revenge for being denied tickets.
These apprehensions are reportedly causing anxiety among KCR, BRS leaders, and the party's cadre.
The situation in the 2018 Assembly polls was different, with KCR only denying tickets to 5 sitting MLAs who performed poorly in surveys. This strategy proved successful, as all the new candidates fielded by KCR in those five seats emerged victorious.
However, replacing 30 sitting MLAs, out of a total of 103 BRS MLAs, is expected to have a more significant impact on the party and could potentially fuel dissension and rebel activities.
