Hyderabad: After completing his foreign tour, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is set to resume efforts to attract BRS legislators to join his party. With the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections approaching next year, the ruling party is focusing on strengthening its presence in the city to maximize its impact on the polls.
So far, four Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from constituencies under the GHMC have switched to the Congress party. These include Danam Nagender from Khairatabad, Prakash Goud from Rajendranagar, Arikepudi Gandhi from Serilingampally, and Mahipal Reddy from Patancheru. Additionally, Kale Yadaiah from Chevella, which is in the city suburbs, has also joined.
Overall, a total of 10 MLAs and six Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) have moved to the Congress. However, the BRS party is trying to regain its lost members, creating a challenge for Congress. Recently, BRS attempted to bring back Gadwal MLA, Bandla Krishnamohan Reddy, while Congress was busy with its budget session. In response, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has asked his core team to come up with a new strategy, especially since this period, known as Shravan, is considered auspicious.
Party sources indicate that defected MLAs are uneasy because they have not been offered significant positions as promised. Previously lured with incentives, a shift in strategy is expected, replacing promises with pressure. Meanwhile, some BRS MLAs looking to join the BJP are hesitating due to the requirement to resign from the legislature. Although negotiations are ongoing, there is a noticeable tension.
Despite these efforts, there is skepticism among party members regarding the party’s chances in upcoming elections. With local body polls on the horizon, leaders at various levels are concerned, especially considering the Lok Sabha polls where the BJP secured eight seats. A senior leader noted that while top leaders are focused on their administrative roles, there’s a decline in the organization’s passion and fighting spirit, raising concerns that the BJP could gain significant local body wins.
Others involved in managing state-level polls share similar worries. One leader emphasized the need to revamp the party structure, stating that decisions on ticket allocation during the Lok Sabha polls have lowered the morale of the party’s members. If this situation continues, the party may face challenges in the forthcoming elections.
