Lifestyle
Wednesday, October 23, 2024…
The high-voltage campaigning for the upcoming assembly elections in Telangana reached its zenith on...
Digital Desk: The high-voltage campaigning for the upcoming assembly elections in Telangana reached its zenith on Tuesday (November 27), marking the conclusion of high-voltage rallies and political jamborees. The Election Commission announced that the silent period has commenced, lasting until the results are declared on December 3.
Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj, addressing a press conference, stated, "It is 5 p.m., and the silent period has started. Various restrictions have been put in place by the Election Commission of India. In the last 48 hours, it's essentially a tranquil period given to voters to reflect and make informed decisions." The model code of conduct had been in effect since October 9, following the Election Commission's announcement of the election schedule. The state currently has 3.26 crore eligible voters, and prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC have been imposed statewide.
The ruling party, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), led by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, is seeking a third consecutive term. In a bid to oust TRS, the Congress party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Jana Sena have fielded candidates in 111, 8, and 1 seats, respectively. The Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) has candidates in nine city segments.
A total of 2,290 candidates, including prominent figures like KCR, his son K T Rama Rao, TPCC president A Revanth Reddy, and BJP leaders Bandi Sanjay Kumar, D Arvind, and Soyam Bapu Rao, are vying for victory. KCR is contesting from Gajwel and Kamareddy, while Revanth Reddy is contesting from Kodangal and Kamareddy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, and Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, actively participated in the campaign. PM Modi addressed several meetings and held a roadshow in Hyderabad, while KCR attended 96 poll rallies.
The TRS campaign focused on the failures of the previous Congress government and ongoing welfare measures, emphasizing KCR's struggle for Telangana statehood. The Congress countered with allegations of corruption in the TRS government and highlighted its "six guarantees." The BJP campaigned for a "double engine government" and accused KCR of "family rule" and corruption.
The ruling party faced a setback as the National Dam Safety Authority reported adversely on the sinking of a barrage, part of the Kaleshwaram irrigation project, providing ammunition to the opposition. Over 2.5 lakh staff are engaged in poll duties, and for the first time in Telangana, a "home voting facility" was provided to persons with disabilities and voters over 80 years old.
Law enforcement agencies have seized assets worth approximately Rs 737 crore, including cash, gold, liquor, and freebies, since the model code of conduct came into force on October 9. To encourage voter turnout, the Election Commission has ordered all private establishments, including IT firms, to declare a holiday on November 30. As the state awaits the verdict on December 3, the political landscape is charged with anticipation and speculation.
Leave A Comment