The Telangana Assembly Elections of 2023 marked a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape, showcasing a fierce battle among major political contenders – the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the Indian National Congress (INC), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). With 119 constituencies in play and held in a single phase on November 30, the elections were a critical test of political prowess and public sentiment.

For the INC, the elections represented an opportunity to stage a resurgence after the setback in 2018, where they secured a mere 15 seats out of the 119-member assembly. The ruling BRS, led by Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, aimed to consolidate its hold on power, emphasizing developmental initiatives and welfare schemes as cornerstones of their campaign.

Meanwhile, the BJP sought to significantly expand its presence and influence within the state’s political sphere.

Campaign rhetoric revolved around key issues pertinent to Telangana’s populace, encompassing regional development, agricultural policies, unemployment, and social welfare initiatives. The electorate’s aspirations for better infrastructure, employment opportunities, and equitable development stood at the forefront of the electoral discourse.

The exit polls that followed the election hinted at varying outcomes, leaving a sense of anticipation and speculation among the electorate and political stakeholders alike. The state awaited the official declaration of results, with each party fervently eyeing a favorable outcome that could shape the governance and future trajectory of Telangana’s politics.

Telangana, with its diverse demographic and socio-economic landscape, carried the hopes and expectations of its citizens, whose mandate would determine the state’s leadership and policy direction for the foreseeable future. The post-election scenario poised itself to significantly influence Telangana’s developmental agenda and the dynamics of power-sharing among political entities in the state.

Telangana Assembly Election 2018

The 2018 Telangana Legislative Assembly elections, held on December 7, were pivotal for the state since its formation in 2014. The primary contenders included the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS), and Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

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To challenge the ruling TRS, the INC, TJS, TDP, and CPI formed a ‘Maha Kootami’ or Grand Alliance. Despite their concerted efforts, the Maha Kootami fell short of securing a majority, paving the way for TRS to reclaim power.

Chandrashekar Rao initiated early elections by resigning on September 6, 2018, nearly nine months before his term completion. As no single party held a majority, the governor dissolved the assembly, prompting general elections.

This election witnessed a noteworthy alliance between former rivals, the TDP, INC, and CPI, uniting under the banner of Praja or Maha Kutami, marking their first collective endeavor in Telangana’s political arena. Ultimately, the TRS emerged victorious and formed the government once again.