Congress Dethrones KCR In Telangana: 3 Winning Moves Behind Surprising Win

New Delhi: The Congress party appears set for a significant win in Telangana, as per the exit polls, surpassing the majority mark of 60 seats and securing a place in Hyderabad's newly constructed secretariat, built by the incumbent government led by K Chandrashekhar Rao, who is currently trailing in both seats he is fighting from - Kamareddy and Gajwel.

The party orchestrated a determined effort to dismantle the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), now referred to as Bharat Rashtra Samithi, and set the base in a multi-cornered electoral battle. Drawing inspiration from its success in Karnataka, Congress leaders rallied against their common adversary, K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), setting aside internal differences.

The unexpected turn of events from January, where few would have believed in Congress's return to power in Telangana, reflects a remarkable transformation. How did the party achieve this swift reversal against the once-powerful KCR, who aspired to play a role in national politics? The change did not happen overnight or by the efforts of a solitary figure; rather, it resulted from a collective endeavor by Congress leaders in the state.

During the 2018 Telangana assembly elections, Congress suffered a major setback, securing only 19 seats with a 28% vote share. In the 2019 general elections, Congress won just three seats, trailing behind the BJP. BJP's subsequent successes in municipal elections and by-elections intensified the challenge for Congress.

What brought about this change? How did Congress manage to unify its cadre, instill fighting spirit, and secure victory? It was a challenging task, necessitating a reflection on past mistakes, strategic adjustments, and coordinated efforts.

Revanth Reddy, a former ABVP member who later joined the TDP, emerged as a key player for Congress. Despite facing setbacks, including imprisonment in the cash-for-vote scam, Reddy joined Congress in 2017 and assumed a prominent role. Appointed as the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) chief in July 2021, replacing Uttam Kumar Reddy, he injected renewed enthusiasm among party workers.

Reddy's aggressive stance against KCR, coupled with his ability to unify party members, differentiated him. His sharp and articulate retorts in the perception battle earned him credibility. Reddy successfully attracted heavyweight leaders, strengthening Congress and dispelling the perception of party-hopping. His leadership played a pivotal role in keeping the Congress cadre united and instilling confidence in winning the assembly elections.

Sunil Kanugolu, a master strategist known for campaigns like "Pay CM" and "40 Percent Sarkara" in Karnataka, played a crucial role in Telangana. Collaborating with the political strategy team, Kanugolu designed effective campaigns, including catchy slogans like "Maarpu Kavali... Congress Ravali" (We need change, Congress should come to power). This resonated across various demographics and contributed to Congress's success.

Unlike previous instances in other states, Congress in Telangana closely collaborated on ticket distribution and campaign management with the political strategy team. Campaign ads, featuring impactful visuals like punctured cars and satirical takes on KCR, were deemed the best of the season. Kanugolu's meticulous surveys during ticket distribution, analyzing caste dynamics, proved effective and contributed to Congress's victory.

Youth discontent over delayed job notifications, despite KCR's welfare schemes, became a significant electoral issue. Congress skillfully capitalized on this, addressing the aspirations of the youth who expected substantial job opportunities post the formation of Telangana. The anger over paper leaks and exam postponements further fueled this narrative, significantly influencing voters aged 25 to 35.

After two terms of KCR's rule, there was a palpable sense of voter fatigue. Congress successfully created a perception that BRS (KCR's family) ran the state like a private limited company. The campaign slogan, "Maarpu Kavali... Congress Ravali," consistently reinforced this narrative. BJP's internal confusion, evident in the change of state president, also played into Congress's hands.

The triumphant return of Congress in Telangana not only solidifies its position in South India but also hinders BJP's progress in the state. The party's nine-year effort to regain relevance culminated in this victory, achieved through strategic leadership, meticulous planning, and an adept understanding of voter sentiments. Congress now stands as a formidable force in the political landscape of Telangana.