The year that just went into oblivion was turbulent by all means for most Opposition parties in Telangana. It has been even more forgettable for parties which had only a nondescript role in the run-up to the formation of Telangana.
Parties including TDP, BJP, YSR Congress, CPI and CPI (M) received a severe drubbing in the elections in spite of all-out efforts to convince the electorate that they too had “a role” in realising Telangana. The TDP-BJP combine has failed to cut much ice with the people of Telangana except in pockets where the electorate comprised Seemandhra people.
The TDP was bogged down by the defection of its leaders to the ruling TRS including three MLAs and a couple of MLCs. “In spite of odds, we have been able to put up a strong front in the Assembly by highlighting people’s problems,” working president of TDP in Telangana, L. Ramana, said.
He claimed that it was the pressure mounted by TDP that had made the government relax guidelines of “Aasara” social security pension scheme, particularly in respect of covering all eligible persons in a family. The party is looking to build upon the eight lakh active membership with Nara Lokesh planning to tour the State in the coming weeks.
The BJP, projecting itself as an alternative to the TRS and Congress, has been trying to play the role of a constructive Opposition by questioning the government, only when it is wrong-footed. “It’s too early to fault the government on every move. We want to give it some cushion time before we start judging its performance,” K. Laxman, BJP Floor Leader in the Assembly said.
He stated that the BJP was trying to occupy political space against TRS and Congress by strengthening itself organisationally.
The YSR Congress has fallen flat in spite of unstinted following for late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy as the focus of its leadership is Andhra Pradesh. It has become deflated with the defection of its leaders including one legislator to TRS, in the absence of any motivation.
Reduced to mere existence with one legislator each in the Assembly, it’s a long and bumpy road ahead for CPI and CPI (M) in their quest to regain past glory.
