In an unexpected move that reverberated through the nation’s political landscape on Monday, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, commonly known as KCR, revealed his list of candidates for a striking 115 out of 119 constituencies, a staggering four months ahead of the telangana assembly elections. However, the true surprise lay in his decision to contest from not one, but two constituencies: his established home turf of Gajwel and the Kamareddy constituency.
The phenomenon of influential political figures vying for positions in multiple constituencies is not novel. This strategic approach, employed to broaden one’s influence across different regions, has historical precedence. In 1989, the then Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh and founder of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), N T Rama Rao, adopted a similar strategy. Subsequently, in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Narendra Modi, and in the 2018 elections, KCR himself, contested from two constituencies, demonstrating the allure of this tactic.
While this dual contest approach allows leaders to extend their impact, it also serves as a countermeasure against challenges emerging within their traditional strongholds. If dissent or opposition arises in their primary constituencies, rivals endeavour to construct a narrative challenging the leader to win in their own home turf. A recent example surfaced when Telangana BJP Election Committee Chairman and former state finance minister, Etela Rajender, openly declared his intent to defeat KCR in his home constituency, Gajwel. To offset this potential narrative, KCR’s decision to contest from two seats appears to be a pre-emptive strategic move.
Moreover, the opposition has highlighted another underlying motive. This decision could be perceived as an attempt to fortify victory in the Kamareddy constituency. In the 2018 elections, MLA Gampa Govardhan secured a slim margin of victory over Congress leader Shabbir Ali. Since 2009, Govardhan has consistently clinched this constituency; however, anti-incumbency sentiments may jeopardise his standing in the forthcoming elections.
Sources indicate that MLA Gampa Govardhan himself proposed KCR’s candidature in Kamareddy to consolidate the seat against opposition forces. ” Thanks to the support from KCR, I’ve played a significant role in driving meaningful development in this area. The goodwill generated prompts the community to yearn for the CM’s representation from Kamareddy. They aspire to elect KCR here, paving the way for his third consecutive term as Chief Minister,” expressed the four-term MLA, underlining the dynamics at play.
As Telangana’s political arena heats up with speculation and analysis, KCR’s unexpected decision to contest from two constituencies will reshape the dynamics of the state’s political scenario. We don’t know yet what will happen because of this choice, but it will affect how the upcoming telangana assembly elections go.