Etela Rajender
Huzurabad By Election: The recent by-election in Huzurabad in Telangana seems to be setting a new example in regional politics. If one were to notice the trend that this election has set, one is sure to say that politics will not be the same in the coming years. Despite the ruling Telangana Rastra Samiti (TRS) throwing numerous sops to the public, the people have not voted for them, but have given the power to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Eatala Rajender.
The unprecedented massive victory of Eatala Rajender for Huzurabad assembly constituency by-election has not gone down well with not just ruling TRS, but many other parties across the country. All the leaders are still in shock and have not come to terms with BJP’s victory. Despite throwing sops and money at voters, Huzurabad gave a decisive mandate that is likely to haunt many parties for a long time.
Interestingly the promise of Dalit Bandhu seems to have not worked out for TRS. The party chief K Chandrasekhar Rao’s charisma also seems to be wading out. TRS was so confident that it did not bother to field a popular candidate against Eatala Rajender, who is very widespread among the people in Huzurabad. The party thought that KCR’s name was enough to cakewalk with the assembly seat. In fact there were reports in local newspapers quoting KT Rama Rao, TRS working president that they could field anybody or even an animal and win Huzurabad!
Huzurabad is now a prime example where people are not going to get sold out for sops like pensions and Dalit Bandhu. This has to be accepted by all the parties across the country. Already we have seen the trend changing in Tamil Nadu. After MK Stalin becoming the Chief Minister by winning the assembly elections, he seems to be putting a full stop to the regular way of Dravidian politics – politics filled with vengeance and hatred towards opposition parties!
Similarly, politicians will have to understand that just by giving away sops and pensions, they can win votes. Basic issues of unemployment and corruption still play a vital role in the minds of general public. By next general elections in 2024, the issue of price rise, unemployment and bad governance will be the prime focus and not these sops, say political analysts!