Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Why Telangana matters for BJP in 'Abki Baar 400 Paar' goal

The Rs 825-crore tunnel, constructed on the road connecting Assam’s Tezpur to West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, is being billed as the longest bi-lane road tunnel in the world at 13,000 ft.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on March 5, unveiled and initiated development projects exceeding Rs 7,200 crore at Sangareddy in Telangana, located nearly 60 km from the capital. During his address at the event, PM Modi reaffirmed his dedication to advancing Telangana, emphasising his belief that the progress of individual states contributes to the overall growth of the nation.

Telangana: Gateway to South India's Economic Transformation

"Telangana can aptly be dubbed the 'Gateway for South India'," he remarked, highlighting ongoing efforts in railway electrification and the establishment of six new stations. These initiatives, he asserted, will catalyse economic growth not only within Telangana but also in the neighbouring regions, fostering a positive ripple effect on the area's economy.

Also Read | Telangana CM Revanth Reddy seeks help from ‘big brother’ PM Modi for development of state

PM Modi Prioritises Infrastructure Development

Highlighting the sustained efforts of the Centre over the past decade aimed at enhancing Telangana's progress, PM Modi underscored, "Today, 140 crore Indians are united in their aspiration for a developed India. The establishment of modern infrastructure stands as a cornerstone for our nation's advancement." He further emphasised the allocation of Rs 11 lakh crore towards infrastructure in the current year's budget (Budget 2023-24), with the explicit goal of ensuring that Telangana derives optimal advantages from these investments.

The PM inaugurated the Civil Aviation Research Organisation (CARO) centre, situated at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, established by the Airports Authority of India. This centre aims to propel research and development (R&D) endeavours within the civil aviation sector. Constructed at a budget of more than Rs 350 crore, the cutting-edge facility complies with the 5-STAR-GRIHA Rating and Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) standards, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and efficiency.

Developmental Projects: Boosting BJP's Image and Electoral Prospects

Experts say these developmental projects are poised to enhance the BJP's image and transform the Prime Minister's assurances into tangible progress for the state, potentially bolstering the party's electoral prospects. Furthermore, the capital expenditure associated with these projects is expected to generate employment opportunities for the youth and facilitate the establishment of ancillary businesses, thereby supporting the livelihoods of the common people.

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'Abki Baar, 400 Paar…'

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls scheduled for April-May, PM Modi addressed a public gathering in Adilabad, Telangana, on March 4, employing his signature style. During his speech, he echoed the slogan, 'abki baar, 400 paar…', despite the implicit electoral context. The PM was keen to emphasise that the event was not intended as an election rally but rather a visit to the state for a 'Vikas Utsav' (Development Festival).

BJP's Electoral Blueprint: Aiming 10 Seats

According to reports, in anticipation of the general elections, the BJP in Telangana has initiated several organisational strategies to enhance its prospects. The party aims to secure a minimum of 10 seats in the state while also striving to augment its overall vote share.  Telangana has a total of 17 Lok Sabha seats. In the 2019 elections, the BJP won 4 seats, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (formerly Telangana Rashtra Samithi) won 9 seats, the Congress won 3 seats, and the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) won 1 seat.

BJP's Focus on Voter Base Expansion in Northern Telangana

Political analysts say that the saffron party's twin objectives include broadening its voter base in the northern districts of Telangana and mobilising a larger workforce in 19 constituencies where the party emerged as the runner-up to the Congress in the assembly elections held in November.

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Impact of Incumbent MPs and Electoral Gains

For the BJP, which has been steadily making inroads in northern Telangana, a region traditionally considered a stronghold of the BRS, the presence of two incumbent MPs—Nagarkurnool MP Pothuganti Ramulu and Zaheerabad MP BB Patil in the saffron party fold—will further bolster the BJP's sway in the area. During the previous assembly elections, the BJP secured 8 seats, with seven were secured from northern Telangana, all hailing from rural areas. Similarly, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP clinched four seats, three of which hailed from the northern Telangana region.

Vijaya Sankalp Yatras

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP in Telangana undertook 'Vijaya Sankalp Yatras', predominantly roadshows, spanning from February 20 to March 2, covering all 119 Assembly constituencies across the state. Buoyed by what it perceives as a nationwide sentiment favoring Modi for a third term as PM, the saffron party is optimistic about securing a majority of the 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana.

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BJP's Strategic Bid for Hyderabad LS Seat

Furthermore, the party aims to clinch the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency, currently held by AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi. With the recent of triple talaq, Muslim youth with progressive views and women increasingly view Modi as a brother.

Political Landscape: Progress and Challenges Ahead

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had outlined an ambitious goal for the party to secure victory in a minimum of 10 seats and attain a 35 percent vote share in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Despite emerging as a significant contender to the BRS following victories in several by-polls and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections, the BJP's momentum faced a test during the November 30 Assembly elections. Nonetheless, the party managed to double its vote share, reaching nearly 14 percent, and saw an improvement in its seat tally to 8 out of the 119-member House.

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Focus on Southern Telangana Amid Political Realities

Political experts, however, assert the BJP recognises the significance of the GHMC area, where the BRS wields significant influence, while the southern region of Telangana remains predominantly under the control of the Congress. Responding to this electoral landscape, the BJP leadership has strategically shifted its attention towards the southern part of Telangana.

'Mana Modi' and 'Prashnitunna Telangana' Campaigns

A day following Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's unexpected comparison of PM Modi to an 'elder brother,' the BJP asserted that only CM Revanth could provide clarification on why he referred to the PM as 'bade bhai' during the public gathering in Adilabad. The party emphasised that such a statement does not suggest any clandestine alliance between the BJP and Congress, but rather pertains to the dynamics of relations between the Central government and the state. Additionally, the saffron party unveiled plans to launch two digital campaigns ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. One campaign is titled 'Mana Modi' (Our Modi), while the other is named 'Prashnitunna Telangana' (Questions of Telangana).