Telangana politics post GHMC elections

 As an observer sitting in United State, distant lands from India, It is fascinating to witness changes in political landscape in the country I was born and brought up. In particular in Telangana, where two elections held recently - Dubbaka bypoll and GHMC, in which BJP performed very well. 

It appears, in Dubbaka, people voted for BJP for couple of reasons.  The youth appeared to be rallied behind the candidate Raghunandan and strong offense and attack from Bandi Sanjay helped. It is more of Raghunandan's victory than BJP victory.

However, in Hyderabad in GHMC election, that was not the case. BJP as a party registered victory and posed challenge to TRS in future Telangana politics. Glancing over the results of GHMC, It appeared Andhra Hyderabadis and Native Hyderabad Hyderbadis voted for Telangana parties such as TRS and MIM and Telangana Hyderabadis voted for BJP, meaning Andhra settlers, native Hyderabadis whether they are Hindus or Muslims voted for TRS and MIM, where as people who migrated from North and South Telangana districts appeared to be voted BJP. It is a danger signal for KCR and course correction is certainly required. What can KCR do?

First, there appeared to be lot of dissent in youth in urban areas and the pattern extends to rural areas as well. As of writing this, KCR seems to have recognized this as issue and announced job melas. He needs to focus on this voter segment to win 2023 elections, just like he focused on Farmers and other segments in the run up to 2018 elections.

Second,  BJP will try to play communal politics. He can't fully avoid it. However, KCR is in driving seat to set the agenda for the political debate. He can't win against BJP on communal turf, so he needs to drag BJP on to development agenda. At the same time, He can do a little bit visible but background religious activities. As an example, on his trips to rural Telangana, do visit ancient temples and invoke Telangana grama devathalu(village deities) but still talk about development agenda. In a way, that's what Modi did in the run up to 2014 elections. Modi didn't 2014 on Hindutva plank but on the agenda of development but Hindutva was always there in the background.

Third, there are complains from several quarters about his arrogance. While KCR is arrogant, he is compassionate as well. In press meets and media settings, he can show more of his compassioante side than arrogance side.

To conclude, It is still advantage KCR as he is considered Telangana Bidda(The son of soil) and BJP lacks leader who can take on KCR. However, you can't underestimate BJP's machinery, organizational strength and hunger to win elections.