Hyderabad: Following the defeat of the Chandrasekhar Rao-led Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS), which had been in power since 2014 when Telangana was granted statehood, Congress state party chief Revanth Reddy dedicated the party’s success in the assembly election to those who made supreme sacrifices.
“The victory we achieved today is for those who made supreme sacrifices for Telangana. We will carry forward their ideals and ensure the fulfillment of all our promises,” stated Revanth Reddy during a press briefing in Hyderabad.
“I also extend gratitude to the high command on behalf of the Telangana Congress party. Rahul Gandhi instilled hope through his Bharat Jodo Yatra and guided us in the Telangana assembly election,” he added.
Revanth Reddy extended an appeal to the opposition and other victorious parties for collaborative efforts in forming the government.
“KTR welcomed Congress’ government. This spirit should persist as we (Congress) govern. After 10 years in power, you (BRS) will now be in opposition. We value the opinion of the Opposition,” he expressed.
Earlier in the day, KT Rama Rao, the leader of the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi, conveyed disappointment over his party’s performance and congratulated the Congress.
“Grateful to the people of Telangana for granting the BRS party two consecutive terms of government. Today’s result is not a source of sadness for us, but it is surely disappointing as it did not align with our expectations. We will take this as a learning experience and will bounce back. Congratulations to the Congress party on winning the mandate. Wishing you Good Luck,” KTR posted on social media.
“This one ain’t gonna age well. Missed the mark,” KTR replied to his own social media post that stated, “Hattrick Loading 3.0 Get ready to celebrate, guys.”
According to the latest trends from the Election Commission of India, Congress is leading on 63 seats, BRS on 40, BJP on 9, AIMIM on 6, and CPI leading on 1.
As Congress workers celebrated outside the party office in Hyderabad, slogans of ‘CM-CM’ were raised in favor of state party president Revanth Reddy. A roadshow led by Revanth Reddy garnered significant support, with a large gathering cheering him on and waving the party flag.
Earlier in the day, Telangana DGP Anjani Kumar and other police officials visited Revanth Reddy at his residence in Hyderabad.
As Congress comfortably crossed the halfway mark, celebrations ensued outside the party office in Hyderabad. Party cadres chanted “Bye bye KCR.” Additionally, Congress workers poured milk on a poster featuring Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, party MP Rahul Gandhi, and state party chief Revanth Reddy.
The Telangana election result holds significance for the Congress, with a few months left for the Lok Sabha elections. A victory in Karnataka and Telangana solidifies the Congress’ presence in the South.
Telangana went to the polls on November 30, 2018. In the previous election, BRS (then Telangana Rashtra Samithi) won 88 of the 119 seats with a 47.4% vote share, while the Congress secured 19 seats.