Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) chief K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) has initiated a key political strategy as the party marks its 25th anniversary. Following two crucial meetings at Telangana Bhavan and his Erravalli farmhouse, KCR has reportedly devised a plan to contest the upcoming MLC elections under the MLA quota, signaling a renewed political offensive.
While BRS refrained from contesting the recent teachers’ and graduates’ MLC elections, the party is now set to field a candidate for the MLA quota MLC elections, where five seats are up for grabs. Based on its current strength in the Assembly, BRS is assured of securing one seat. However, KCR is contemplating fielding a second candidate, a move that could reshape the political landscape in the state.
BRS currently has 28 MLAs, and securing a second MLC seat would require 42 votes, necessitating support from at least 14 additional MLAs, including those who previously defected to the Congress. Reports suggest that some of these MLAs, including Bandla Krishna Mohan and Gudem Mahipal Reddy, are reconsidering their political stance, potentially shifting their allegiance back to BRS.
Simultaneously, BRS is pursuing legal action in the Supreme Court to invoke anti-defection laws against the defected MLAs. By fielding a second candidate, KCR aims to apply pressure on the ruling Congress, test the loyalty of turncoat MLAs, and create political uncertainty for Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s government.
The upcoming MLC elections are expected to be a crucial test of party loyalties and could have significant implications for the political dynamics in Telangana.