The lines are drawn in the countdown to the 2023 Telangana elections. Polls were conducted in a single phase on Nov 30 and results will be announced on Dec 3, 2023.
The year 2018 was a major milestone in the democratic landscape of Telangana, where early elections created a heated political atmosphere. Originally scheduled for mid-2019, Telangana's State Assembly elections were brought forward to December 2018. The K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government dissolved the assembly ahead of its term, aiming to capitalise on its popularity and to avoid a coinciding with general elections.
In an anticipated election, the ruling TRS emerged victorious, capturing 88 of the 119 assembly seats, solidifying its political stronghold in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to win only a single seat, marking a disappointing performance.
After the state's inception in 2014, KCR and his party fostered development and prosperity in Telangana. Their contribution, particularly in irrigation and welfare schemes, was rewarded with an overwhelming victory in the 2018 elections. Something the Opposition parties are hoping to dent now in the next round. With emerging opposition forces within and outside the party, KCR has a daunting task ahead to maintain its stronghold. KCR’s national ambitions are also evident. In line with this in October 2022, the party was renamed Bharat Rashtra Samiti ahead of the next assembly and general elections.
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