Priyanka Gandhi arrives, revs up campaign efforts in Telangana race

HYDERABAD: In the final stretch of campaigning in Telangana, the BRS, Congress and BJP are adjusting their strategies to secure the maximum number of seats in the state's 119 constituencies. More than half of these areas are witnessing intense triangular contests.

Rahul Gandhi has taken center stage as the face of the Congress campaign lately, with National President Mallikarjun Kharge also actively involved. Today, the campaign is expected to escalate further with the arrival of Priyanka Gandhi.

The BJP is leveraging the influence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bolster their campaign. During an election rally on Saturday, Modi emphasized the BJP's emotional connection with Telugu Nadu.

Meanwhile, the BRS is striving hard to prevent any loss of votes. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhara Rao, recognizing the potential loss from Congress's efforts targeting the Muslim vote bank, has directly focused on Muslim appeasement. As part of this strategy, Rao announced the establishment of a 50-acre Information Technology (IT) park in Pahadi Sharif, Rangareddy district for Muslim youth if elected for a third term.

The Congress views the Muslim community as a significant part of its vote bank. The BRS government maintains a secular stance considering Hindus and Muslims as equals. KCR also highlighted that there have been no law and order issues during the nine years of BRS rule. He also emphasized that communal riots were frequent occurrences under the Congress's governance.

During a conference on the 25th, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated his intention to end Muslim reservations in Telangana.

At a rally on Saturday, Modi proclaimed that the tide is turning in favour of the BJP due to the alleged misrule and neglect by the BRS government. He reiterated the party's commitment to fulfilling its promises, including the appointment of a leader from the backward classes as chief minister if they win the election.

Modi also expressed gratitude for the support and affection of the people of Telangana during the BJP's weaker times when they were disparaged by the Congress and others. He highlighted that one of the party's two Lok Sabha members hailed from the Kamareddy region.

Furthermore, promises such as women's reservation in legislatures, ensuring support prices 1.5 times the cost of production establishing a Turmeric Board and establishing a Central Tribal University were also made during the campaign.