Fearing Poaching, Telangana Congress Plans Resort Politics To Safeguard MLAs

Bolstered by favorable exit poll predictions, the Telangana Congress is expecting a resounding victory in the Assembly elections. However, in anticipation of a tight race, the party is reportedly considering plans to relocate its elected MLAs to resorts in Bengaluru in Karnataka, a state governed by the Congress.

Exit polls conducted by various agencies have indicated a strong likelihood of the Congress emerging victorious in Telangana, leaving the incumbent TRS-turned-BRS party trailing in second place. The Congress is confident that these projections will translate into actual results, but it is also preparing for various scenarios, including a close contest.

Revamping the Congress party's campaign in Telangana, A Revanth Reddy expresses confidence in securing a two-thirds majority. Yet, internal discussions within the party, reported by Times Of India, hint at plans to transport MLAs to Bengaluru if the election outcome proves tight. The Congress needs a minimum of 61 seats out of 119 to independently form the government in Telangana.

The proposed move of elected Congress MLAs to Bengaluru stems from exit poll forecasts suggesting the Congress might emerge as the largest party but may fall short of a clear majority. As a precaution for a close contest, the Congress has dispatched coordinators to constituencies where their candidates are poised to win. After receiving election certificates, the elected MLAs are purportedly scheduled to be shifted to an undisclosed location before being escorted to Bengaluru in a convoy of cars, sources revealed to Times Of India.

In Bengaluru, oversight of this operation rests with DK Shivakumar, the state's deputy chief minister, known for his astute political strategies. Shivakumar previously managed a similar scenario in 2018, overseeing MLAs of the Congress and Janata Dal (S) during an Assembly floor test. With DK Shivakumar's recent significant role in the Congress's victory in Karnataka, he is now reportedly assuming additional organizational duties in similar circumstances.

Telangana conducted elections for its 119-member Assembly on November 30, marking the final polls preceding the 2024 general elections. Results for Telangana, along with Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Mizoram, will be announced on Sunday, December 3.