Voting is underway for the 119 seats in Telangana, marking the final phase of elections in five states. The ruling BRS, led by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), faces tough competition from the Congress and BJP amid anti-incumbency sentiments. Early voters included prominent figures like former cricketer Mohd Azharuddin and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy.
PM Narendra Modi urged a “record voter turnout,” emphasizing the significance of democracy. KCR, considered the ‘founding father’ of Telangana, is seeking a third consecutive term, relying on social welfare schemes. The Congress, buoyed by its recent victory in Karnataka, aims to narrow the gap, leveraging BJP’s corruption allegations against KCR.
The BJP, without a government in the south, seeks a strong showing to boost morale ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. However, internal challenges, including leadership changes and alliances, raise uncertainties. The election results, along with those from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Mizoram, will be crucial indicators for national politics.