Hyderabad – In a high‑profile review meeting, K. T. Rama Rao (KTR), the working president of Telangana's Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), asserted that the Congress‑led state administration has lost the people's trust. The claim, made just days after a survey commissioned by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, signals an aggressive push by BRS to reclaim power in the upcoming assembly polls.

Political backdrop

Since its formation in 2014, BRS dominated Telangana politics, winning two consecutive elections under the leadership of K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR). The 2024 election, however, saw the Indian National Congress surge to power, ending BRS's decade‑long rule. KTR, a key strategist and public face of the party, has since been orchestrating a resurgence, positioning himself as the chief architect of a BRS comeback.

Survey findings that fuel the claim

According to KTR, a survey ordered by the chief minister revealed a stark erosion of public satisfaction with the Congress government. The data allegedly projects that if elections were held today, BRS would secure roughly 78 seats in the 119‑member assembly – a decisive majority. KTR also referenced parallel assessments by central and state intelligence agencies that reportedly echo the same sentiment, suggesting a broad-based disenchantment across the state.

Key issues highlighted by BRS

The BRS leader criticized flagship schemes such as the Kaleshwaram water project and the Rythu Bandhu welfare programme, labeling them as political tools rather than genuine solutions for the populace. He further noted that a sizable segment of the electorate expressed a desire to see former chief minister KCR return to office, indicating that BRS remains the preferred alternative for many voters, while other opposition parties struggle to gain traction.

Strategic moves ahead of the polls

During the meeting, KTR directed party cadres to intensify the "Special Intensive Revision (SIR)" of electoral rolls within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits. He urged local MLAs, party workers, and Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to coordinate closely, aiming to rectify roll discrepancies and maximize voter outreach. This ground‑level mobilization is intended to translate perceived public discontent into a concrete electoral advantage.

Implications for Telangana's future

If KTR's assertions hold true, the Congress government may face a severe legitimacy crisis, compelling it to revamp policy messaging and deliver tangible governance outcomes. Conversely, a well‑executed BRS campaign, bolstered by KCR's legacy appeal, could reshape the state's political landscape in the 2026 assembly elections, potentially restoring the party to a dominant position.