Even before the bifurcation of the state, the polling dates in the Telangana region used to differ from those in the present Andhra Pradesh region. Typically, the Election Commission conducts Telangana polls in the first phase and AP polls later. However, for the first time, both states’ polls are scheduled to be held on the same day in the fourth phase, on May 13.
This decision was mainly prompted by repeated complaints from the YSRCP that individuals residing in Greater Hyderabad, but originally from AP villages, were voting in two places. After casting their votes in Hyderabad, they were allegedly traveling to their villages in AP to vote again, with many of these votes favoring the TDP.
To prevent TDP supporters from casting votes in two states, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy insisted on holding polls on the same day in both states. It appears that he has succeeded in this effort.
However, BJP leaders in Telangana now anticipate that voters from AP may favor their party this time due to their alliance with the TDP and the BRS being out of power. They are concerned whether these voters will stay in Hyderabad to vote for them or travel to AP villages to vote for the TDP.
Given their dissatisfaction with YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s regime in AP, BJP leaders suspect that many voters may opt to go there to vote against Jagan. If this occurs, they fear losing a significant number of votes.
According to estimates, in such a scenario, BJP’s Etela Rajender may lose approximately one lakh votes in the Malkajgiri constituency. Even Union Minister and State BJP Chief G Kishan Reddy may face challenges in the Secunderabad constituency.
The present scenario appears to favor the Congress, which performed poorly in Greater Hyderabad during the Assembly elections, losing all seats. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is now focusing on attracting defections from the BRS, particularly from Greater Hyderabad, in an effort to win at least two Lok Sabha constituencies. If Revanth succeeds, it would deal a significant blow to the BJP.
