Has BRS decision to continue sitting MLAs boomeranged?

The internal assessments by the BRS top brass are sending across not so encouraging feedback. The party candidates are facing the public ire in many places. At the same time, the response to the public meetings by even such a star crowd-puller as KCR too is none too heartening. The crowd response is quite muted and the euphoria of the 2018 elections seems to be clearly missing.

In many constituencies, the party candidates are facing rough weather. According to insiders, the decision to field the sitting candidates in most constituencies appears to have become counter-productive. There is public anger against many of the sitting MLAs. Had the party changed the candidates in at least half of the seats, things would have been different, they say.

The BRS internal assessments show that there is little trust on flagship programmes like Rythu Bandhu, Dalit Bandhu and other programmes. Similarly, Dharani programme has become a rallying point for farmers and those possessing small land holdings. The BRS leadership is finding it difficult to turn the tide in the state.

BRS thinking heads say that this election has no specific issue that could define the politics in the state. Last time, the BRS could successfully ignite passions in the TDP-Congress alliance, which was portrayed as a surrender to the TDP, which is in power in Andhra Pradesh. This time, there is no such issue. As a result, the BRS is unable to ignite passions on the issue of Telangana pride.

The party feels that there is an urgent need to stem the tide. The coming 20 days are crucial, feel the BRS leaders. They argue that the national ambitions of the party can be fueled only if the party is in power.