Hyderabad: The BJP has started choosing candidates for the upcoming local elections in Telangana. State party president N Ramchander Rao announced that the party plans to compete for every seat, from ward members to Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs). Speaking in Karimnagar, Rao highlighted that people want the BJP for honest governance and faster development.
The first list of ZPTC candidates will be ready soon. In places with unanimous selections, “B-forms” will be given. Rao is confident the BJP will win a majority in local bodies due to increasing public support.
This announcement comes after a strategic meeting with BJP leaders, including MLAs, MPs, and other officials, following the election schedule release by the State Election Commission. Rao instructed district party leaders to start candidate selection immediately.
Rao criticized previous state governments, accusing the former BRS regime of misusing central funds, causing financial issues for village leaders. He alleged some village heads faced such distress they considered extreme actions.
Rao also attacked the Congress government for not fulfilling promises like the Rythu Bharosa scheme. He praised the central government’s PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, benefiting over 32 lakh farmers in Telangana. He noted central government contributions to village infrastructure, such as roads and water supply.
Rao stated, “The BRS exploited the state, and the Congress misleads the people. BJP is focused on development.” He urged voters to back the BJP, highlighting the Modi government’s support for farmers, mentioning a ₹40,000 crore fertilizer subsidy. He blamed the Revanth Reddy administration for a fake urea shortage, noting the recent arrival of one lakh metric tonnes of urea for Kharif.
Rao criticized the two-year delay in local elections, blaming the state government for not resolving the 42% BC reservation issue. He said the elections are only happening now due to a High Court order to unlock central funds. He emphasized the BJP’s dedication to BC reservations and urged the Congress to respect constitutional duties.
In response to media questions, Rao opposed political reservations for BC-E Muslims, stating they were intended for education and jobs. The party awaits the court’s decision on this.
On the Kaleshwaram project, Rao called for a thorough investigation into alleged corruption beyond Medigadda and Sundilla, in line with the NDSA report.
Rao reiterated the BJP’s stance against defection, saying anyone leaving should resign from their post first.
Earlier, Rao met with Karimnagar district leaders at the Parliamentary Office. He pushed for a strong strategy to boost the party’s election chances. The meeting included district president Krishna Reddy, Mandal presidents, and ZPTC conveners.
