KTR, working president of Bharat Rashtra Samithi, said the results of the Jubilee Hills by-election indicated coordination between BJP and Congress. He felt BJP failed to secure even a deposit and maintained that the “RS Brothers” pattern decided the outcome.
KTR said surveys had predicted a BRS win, but what happened during the last three days before polling shaped the result. He added that it had secured a sizeable share of votes. He said BRS respects the public verdict and will assess the outcome within the party.
After the declaration of the result, KTR met senior leaders and participants of the campaign at Telangana Bhavan. He said that the by-election proved that BRS remains the main alternative to the Congress in Telangana.
He said though their candidate, Maganti Sunitha, contested strongly without any political experience, the party had highlighted the failures of government and issues in the implementation of the “six guarantees” throughout the campaign. KTR said their criticism pushed the Chief Minister to review the scheme implementation. He also raised concerns about minority representation in the cabinet.
KTR termed it a minor setback and felt that disappointment was not needed. He said that the party would strive to bring KCR back as Chief Minister.
He said the conduct of the by-election needed discussion. From the day the schedule was announced, BRS had submitted repeated complaints to the Election Commission about distribution of fake voter cards and other irregularities right till polling day. Even the younger brother of the Congress candidate had three votes. The Election Commission and police performance needed review, he said.
Appreciation to Party Leaders KTR thanked the voters and party workers who supported the candidate. He praised Harish Rao for campaigning despite his father’s death and acknowledged MLC Ravinder Rao for returning to campaign soon after his brother passed away. Expectation of More By-Elections KTR mentioned that one MLA who defected to another party in West Bengal was declared disqualified, and he said he was hoping that similar action in Telangana may result in 10 by-elections. He said that Congress was struggling with a single by-election and questioned what it would do with ten. He further said BRS is ready for the forthcoming local elections.
