Kommineni Srinivasa Rao

With speculation rife over Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao's (KCR) plans to advance the Legislative Assembly elections, arises the doubt on whether the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Chief is attempting to divert the attention of the Opposition parties or if he is really ready to dissolve the Assembly soon. Hurdles might be expected over the Election Commission's decision to conduct the Assembly polls, but political analysts suggest that KCR's Delhi tour was aimed at clearing the hurdles.

However, KCR directed the ministers and MLAs to get ready for the polls, suggesting that there is a high possibility of elections within four months. Considering the results of early elections on previous instances, it may be seen that KCR is inclined to contest the polls well ahead of the end of the government's full tenure.

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In the final analysis, the TRS leadership is more than willing, it appears, to contest the Assembly polls, well before the general elections. Accordingly, KCR is going full throttle to resolve the pending issues with the Centre, by meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi thrice in two months. As things stand, it appears as if PM Modi might favour the TRS government with a view to weakening the Congress party in Telangana.

KCR might have decided to dissolve the Assembly due to a range of factors like the rise of anti-incumbency ahead of general elections, unity among the Opposition parties or formation of alliances if the Assembly elections are to be held along with the Lok Sabha elections. After considering the outcome of various surveys, KCR might have come to a decision on taking advantage of the prevailing political situation, by holding a huge public meeting, Praja Pragati Nivedana with 25 lakh people. It must be noted that all the schemes taken up by the Telangana government were aimed at gaining politically in the elections.

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Financial support to the farmers, Rythu Beema, Kanti Velugu and others were rolled out with an aim to gain politically, as well. However, these factors do not overrule the fact that the TRS party has found tremendous support among large sections of the populace in Telangana. The infighting in Telangana Congress will definitely help TRS in the elections, regular or advanced. While the TDP-Congress alliance is yet to be confirmed, the Congress has an eye on joining forces with the Telangana Jana Samithi and the Communist Party of India.

Opposition parties generally dare the ruling parties to dissolve the Assembly. But, it is the other way round in Telangana.

On the other side, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu appears to be frightened by the very idea of early polls. He is desperate to continue to cling to power, for as long as possible. However, KCR is trying to surmount the hurdles of the EC. Unless the readjustment of electoral roll with respect to the seven Telangana Mandals which have been added to AP is carried out, the EC would not be able to issue the election notification. Nevertheless, KCR's plan seems to be well afoot.