Anti-incumbency worries are increasing among BRS leaders and the opposition’s attempts to capitalise on it are increasing it.
The BJP and the Congress are trying to capitalise on the anti-incumbency sentiment by organising protests on issues like the TSPSC paper leak, unemployment, suicides and murder attempts among others and this is worrying the BRS.
Events like the Delhi liquor scam, the TSPSC leak and leaders leaving the party apart from the constant raids by Central agencies are leading to uncertainty among BRS cadres.
The resignations of key leaders like former MP Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, former minister Jupally Krishna Rao, and speculations about MLC Patnam Mahendar Reddy’s party switch are also affecting the morale of BRS leaders.
Even though Mahendar Reddy dismissed the rumours there is uncertainty about him.
Political analysts say that Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy’s statement that the BRS failed to fulfil its promises to the people indicates that people are not happy with the BRS government.
There is increasing anti-incumbency against the BRS, especially in rural areas like Khammam district. Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said, “I will not let a single BRS leader become an MLA from erstwhile Khammam district.”
Political observers say that Ponguleti issued these statements confidently only after witnessing the huge anti-incumbency wave against the BRS government in the rural areas of the erstwhile Khammam district.
Senior leader Jupally Krishna Rao also raised his voice against KCR’s rule and confidently spoke about defeating the BRS.
The BRS’ Atmeeya Sammelanams have exposed the differences among its leaders and brought to the fore disgruntled elements in the BRS. Apart from BRS leaders’ defections things like the Delhi liquor scam, the TSPSC leak and the SSC leak have become a cause for worry.
Party sources say that the SSC leak has benefitted the opposition more than the BRS and after the TSPSC leak youth across the state have become angry with the BRS.
Apart from this, the Delhi liquor scam in which ED investigated KCR’s daughter, MLC Kavitha, has also become a headache for the BRS. Analysts say that the Delhi liquor scam may dent the BRS vote bank among women.
But BRS sources said that anti-incumbency is a common danger for all governments.
“There is anti-incumbency against the BJP government and it is undeniable that the BRS also faces it. The BJP government in Karnataka is also facing anti-incumbency. The opposition is trying to capitalise on it but it won’t last long. People will realise the tricks of the opposition who cannot take on KCR,” BRS sources said.
