Water crisis reaches boiling point in Telangana's key battlegrounds

Three constituencies are at the centre of a strategic battle between BRS, BJP and Congress

As the Lok Sabha elections draw near, the political drama in Telangana is intensifying. The constituencies of Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and Malkajgiri are at the centre of a strategic battle between the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress. These constituencies are crucial to the urban fabric of greater Hyderabad, and they are witnessing a fierce contest that blends the acute water crisis with the complex dynamics of local and national politics.

In the November 2023 assembly elections, the BRS party won the majority of 13 out of 21 assembly seats in this region. This allowed them to expand their influence and dominance in the Lok Sabha seats. Meanwhile, the BJP won only one seat, and the Congress party won none. The BRS is now focusing on Secunderabad and Malkajgiri, where they intend to overturn their previous losses.

K T Rama Rao addresses a press conference

Water scarcity is a pressing issue at the centre of BRS's campaign. The problem has been affecting Hyderabad and its surrounding areas and has become a daily challenge for its residents. KT Rama Rao (KTR), the working president of BRS, has been openly critical of the current Congress government's handling of the crisis. In a bold move, KTR demanded free tanker services for the affected populations, accusing Congress of mismanagement and negligence that worsened the scarcity of drinking and irrigation water.

During a recent media briefing at the BRS headquarters, a spokesperson raised concerns about the high number of water tanker bookings in March. Over 230,000 bookings were made, and the spokesperson questioned the government's decision to charge fees for this service. They argued that access to drinking water is necessary; therefore, a certain amount should be made available for free. Specifically, they suggested that 20,000 litres of drinking water should be provided at no cost. The spokesperson emphasised the importance of this service and asked why the government is imposing charges for something that should be considered essential.

KTR has attributed Telangana's recent water supply problems to inefficient management under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's administration rather than natural shortages. He cited a vital part of Mission Bhagiratha, Lower Manair, which has dried up, and the agricultural problems that have arisen due to the failure to lift water from the Kaleshwaram project. Contradicting the Congress government's stance that the crisis stemmed from below-average rainfall, KTR countered with IMD data that showed a 14 per cent increase in rainfall over the average last year.

KTR has suggested that the abundant water resources available in Singur, Yellampally, Osman Sagar, Himayat Sagar, and Nagarjuna Sagar could have been better used. He added that with the completion of the Sunkishala project, it's high time to make the most of these resources, even if it means extracting water from dead storage. KTR emphasised the potential of utilising the water from Yellampally to recharge Kondapochamma Sagar, which can help address the water scarcity in Hyderabad.

KTR is mainly focused on this issue, as it resonates with the electorate's immediate concerns. By doing so, the BRS positions itself as a proactive solution to the current administration's governance failures.

Several key candidates represent their respective parties in the upcoming elections in Hyderabad. The Hyderabad seat has been held by AIMIM, with Asaduddin Owaisi as its formidable MP, which speaks to the party's enduring influence in the region. Interestingly, there are reports that the Congress party is considering an unconventional move to woo tennis star Sania Mirza to contest the seat to leverage her popularity to carve into the minority vote bank, traditionally swayed by Owaisi's charisma. However, there has yet to be a concrete plan in place. On the other hand, the BJP has positioned Kompella Madhavi Latha, a cultural activist known for her stance against triple talaq, as its contender, highlighting the party's focus on social reform alongside its political ambitions.

The Hyderabad constituency is a stronghold for the AIMIM party, with significant support in six assembly constituencies. This indicates the party's strong and long-standing support. On the other hand, the BJP, represented by MLA Raja Singh, has a single but noteworthy presence in Goshamahal, which reflects the area's diverse political landscape.

The contest for Secunderabad adds another layer of complexity to Telangana's political landscape. G. Kishan Reddy, the current Union Minister and State BJP Chief is seeking re-election in this crucial swing constituency. Historically, the BJP and Congress have been in a fierce battle over Secunderabad, with the BJP making significant gains since 1991. Recently, the BRS, which has won several assembly victories, supports T Padma Rao Goud, a sitting MLA from Secunderabad, hoping to capitalise on its legislative success. Meanwhile, the Congress has fielded Danam Nagender, a prominent political figure who recently moved from the BRS, adding an intriguing dynamic to the contest.

In the recent assembly elections, Congress faced a tough challenge in Malkajgiri as they struggled to gain a foothold. The Bharatiya Rashtriya Samithi (BRS) won all seven seats, except for G. Lasya Nanditha, who unfortunately passed away. Congress has nominated Sunita Mahender Reddy, who has local connections and a good reputation, hoping that it will resonate with the voters. The BRS has countered by putting forward Ragidi Laxma Reddy, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is hoping for a political comeback by fielding Eatala Rajendra, who had previously lost against KCR in the Gajwel assembly polls.

This complex mix of candidates, parties, and strategies represents Telangana's dynamic and unpredictable political landscape as it gears up for a closely watched electoral battle. Each constituency has a distinct political narrative and set of candidates that reflect the broader themes of change, continuity, and strategic innovation defining the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.