BRS Empowers Dalits, Accuses Congress; Targets Victory in 2023

In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Telangana Assembly elections in 2023, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), under the leadership of K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), has intensified efforts to woo Dalit voters. The party alleges that the Congress, its main political rival, insulted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by advocating for a new Constitution, which, according to the BRS, contributed to Ambedkar’s defeat in the first Lok Sabha elections in 1952.

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana is trying to woo Dalits by alleging that the Congress party insulted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by seeking a new Constitution, which led to his defeat in the first Lok Sabha elections in 1952

The BRS supremo, K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), has accused the Congress of using Dalits as a vote bank and doing nothing for them during its 50-year rule. The BRS is hoping to consolidate its position in the state by poaching leaders from other parties and highlighting its welfare schemes for the backward classes.

Allegations of BRS on Dalit Issues

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi has been trying to woo Dalits by alleging that the Congress insulted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by seeking a new Constitution, which led to his defeat in the first Lok Sabha elections in 1952. The party has promised to make a Dalit as the chief minister if it comes to power.

However, the Congress has accused them of neglecting the welfare of Dalits and other backward classes in the state. Mayawati, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo, has accused both the BRS and the Congress of using Dalits as vote banks.

As the political landscape in Telangana heats up, BRS is employing a multi-faceted approach to strengthen its position in the state. One key strategy involves poaching leaders from other parties, a move designed to not only bolster the party’s ranks but also dent the support base of its competitors.

Competing Welfarism

The fight between the BRS and the Congress boils down to whose welfarism is better for the state. Bharat Rashtra Samithi has been dominating state politics with little or no competition as voters rewarded KCR in the last assembly elections in 2018.

The Congress has never won a simple majority in the Telangana region in the past three decades, even when the region was in united Andhra Pradesh. The party is likely in contention in only 99 out of 119 seats and needs to win 60 seats to get a simple majority.

Congress Response and Counter-Narrative

Facing the brunt of accusations, the Congress party is not staying silent. In response, Congress leaders have vehemently denied the allegations of insulting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and argue that they have consistently worked towards the upliftment of Dalits. The electoral battle is not just about policies but also about shaping the narrative and countering the claims made by rival parties.

BRS and Congress: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called the Congress and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi”two sides of the same coin” and urged the people of Telangana to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming assembly elections on November 30.

He alleged that both parties were afraid of the BJP and believed in vote bank politics. The Congress, on the other hand, hopes to cash in on the anti-incumbency factor against the BRS and KCR’s dynastic-feudalistic politics, corruption allegations, and discontent among backward classes over representation in power.

BRS Spotlights Welfare Schemes for Backward Classes

In addition to its criticism of the Congress, BRS is actively highlighting its welfare schemes targeted at the backward classes, with a specific focus on the Dalit community. The party aims to showcase its commitment to addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by these communities, presenting itself as a champion of inclusive development.

This outreach comes at a crucial juncture, with BRS seeking to consolidate its position in Telangana. By capitalizing on historical grievances and positioning itself as the defender of Dalit interests, the party aims to resonate with voters and secure a substantial mandate in the upcoming elections.

Conclusion

The Telangana assembly elections on November 30 are crucial for both the BRS and the Congress. While the BRS hopes to consolidate its position in the state by highlighting its welfare schemes for the backward classes and poaching leaders from other parties, the Congress hopes to cash in on the anti-incumbency factor against the BRS and KCR’s dynastic-feudalistic politics, corruption allegations, and discontent among backward classes over representation in power.

The BRS is trying to woo Dalits by alleging that the Congress insulted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by seeking a new Constitution, which led to his defeat in the first Lok Sabha elections in 1952. However, the Congress has accused the BRS of neglecting the welfare of Dalits and other backward classes in the state.