Telangana: BJP makes significant gains, Congress shows improvement

HYDERABAD: The political landscape in Telangana is experiencing a significant shift, with the BJP emerging as a major force.

According to the current trends in vote counting, both the Congress and BJP are leading in 8 seats each, while the MIM is leading in one seat. The BRS party is in a distant third position, with its candidates securing second place in Khammam and Mahabubabad.

This electoral scenario has divided the political map of Telangana into two halves, with 7 seats in the eastern half dominated by Congress and 8 seats in the western half (except one) expected to be acquired by the BJP. The MIM is leading in Hyderabad.

If the current trends persist, the BJP is set to double its strength compared to the 2019 elections, when it won 4 seats. The BJP is currently leading in Adilabad, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Medak, Malkajgiri, Secunderabad, Chevella, and Mahbubnagar. Notably, it has secured a majority of over one lakh votes in Karimnagar and Malkajgiri. Apart from Mahbubnagar, where its candidate DK Aruna is leading with 11,313 votes, the BJP has established a comfortable lead of over 25,000 votes in other seats.

Similarly, the Congress party is emerging as a major gainer compared to the 2019 elections when it won only three seats. Its candidates in Nalgonda and Khammam have secured a lead of over 3 lakh votes, while the margin is above 2 lakh in Mahabubabad and more than 1 lakh in Warangal and Bhongir. Except for Zahirabad, where its candidate Suresh Kumar Shetkar is leading with 18,052 votes, other candidates in Peddapalle and Nagarkurnool have comfortable leads of 74,069 and 49,708 votes, respectively.

In addition, MIM candidate Asaduddin Owaisi is leading in the Hyderabad seat with a majority of 1,11,149 votes against BJP candidate Madhavi Lata.

While the BJP has reason to celebrate for doubling its tally, the Congress party, which recently formed the government in Telangana, has less to rejoice about. Despite aiming to win 15 out of 17 Lok Sabha seats with its Mission - 15 campaign, the party failed to reach its target. However, the increased numbers from 3 in the 2019 elections to 8 in 2023 could still be considered a significant achievement.

As the counting of votes is ongoing, the above scenario is subject to change, and the final picture will emerge only after the declaration of results for all constituencies.