The electoral battleground in Telangana is buzzing with activity as Chief Minister KCR, popularly known as KCR, cast his vote alongside his wife, Shobha Rao, at a polling station in Chintamadaka, Siddipet, marking the commencement of the polling process for the 119-member assembly.
Incumbent Chief Minister KCR, who also serves as the supremo of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), is facing a dual challenge this election, contesting from his original seat, Gajwel, and the additional seat of Kamareddy. In the 2018 elections, KCR secured a convincing victory in Gajwel with a margin of over 58,000 votes. This time, he faces stiff competition from BJP leader Etela Rajender in Gajwel and Congress state unit chief Revanth Reddy in Kamareddy.
The polling process, underway across 35,655 stations in the state, has seen a 20.64% voter turnout as of 11 am, according to the Election Commission of India. Heavy security arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and secure voting experience for the electorate.
In a historic move, Telangana has introduced home voting for citizens aged over 80 years and persons with disabilities, with approximately 27,600 voters availing themselves of this service. Additionally, around 1,000 voters have registered for the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System, showcasing the state’s commitment to inclusive and accessible democratic processes.
Prominent political figures, including BRS leader K Kavitha, Telangana minister and BRS MLA KT Rama Rao, state Congress chief Revanth Reddy, and others, have exercised their voting rights, underscoring the significance of this election.
Reflecting on the political landscape, the first assembly polls in 2014 saw the Congress securing 25.20% of the votes, while the then TRS (now BRS) claimed 34% in the Telangana region. The 2018 elections witnessed a significant shift, with BRS winning 88 out of 119 seats and commanding a substantial 47.4% vote share, relegating the Congress to a distant second with just 19 seats.
As the people of Telangana make their voices heard at the ballot box, the political future of the state hangs in the balance. The counting of votes, along with four other states, is scheduled for December, promising a nail-biting finish to this high-stakes electoral battle.
