Contesting from 2 seats adds to KCR's woes?

Is KCR's decision to contest from two seats – his borough of Gajwel and neighbouring Kamareddy – a right one? This is the question several political observers who are keenly watching the poll trends are asking. They feel that this decision has not only stretched his resources, but also needed the continuous attention of his Man Friday Harish Rao.

In Gajwel, KCR has sensed some dissatisfaction among both the party's cadre and also the people. The party's grassroots level leaders are unhappy that KCR is inaccessible to them. KCR has already held a couple of meetings to mollify them. He has also deployed Harish Rao to cool off some recalcitrant local leaders. KCR had even promised to meet the local leaders at least once in a month.

Project oustees of Mallanna Sagar and the land bank creation in Gajwel too are unhappy because they have not been paid compensation. The party did not make any effort to reach out to them. In Kamareddy too, the entry of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee chief Revanth Reddy has made what looked an easy contest a tough one.

Another problem area is the presence of many candidates in the fray. As many as 86 candidates are in the fray in Gajwel and some 58 are contesting from Kamareddy. Despite the efforts of the party leaders, especially Harish Rao, the independents are refusing to withdraw from the contest. This could reduce the victory margins, fear the BRS sources.