BJP should aim winning 10 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana, Amit Shah tells cadre

HYDERABAD: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a target for the BJP to win at least 10 seats and secure a 35 per cent vote share in Telangana in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Shah arrived in the city on Thursday to conduct a post-mortem of the party's defeat in the Telangana Assembly elections. He held a meeting with key leaders including Kishan Reddy, Tharun Chug, DK Aruna, Bandi Sanjay, Laxman, Etala Rajender, Muralidhar Rao and others to discuss election results.

At a meeting of 'mandal' presidents of the party from across Telangana, he claimed that the BRS was a "sunken ship" and the ruling Congress was a "sinking ship" while the BJP was Telangana's future. Boosting the cadres' morale, Shah said the party used to get less than 10 per cent of votes in Gujarat before it emerged as a major force in the State and won power.

"You have to work hard. The BJP is being seen as the State's future. You have to ensure that at least 10 lotus blooms here," he said, referring to the party's election symbol.

Of the 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana, BJP had won four in the 2019 elections and its vote share was close to 20 per cent.

Shah said that he would keep visiting Telangana till the BJP formed the Government in the State, urging its members to expose the "corruption" of the Congress. He also asked the party members to resolve their internal differences and work for the party rather than personal goals. He instructed Kishan Reddy to ensure better coordination among the leaders.

Meanwhile, Shah also visited the Bhagyalakshmi temple abutting the Charminar and offered prayers. Amit Shah later posted on 'X' that he was fortunate to have offered puja at the temple.

"Fortunate to have offered puja at Bhagyalakshmi Temple in Hyderabad. Prayed to the Maa Lakshmi for the well-being and prosperity of every citizen," he said.