Hyderabad: The opposition BRS party is facing internal challenges as it continues to weaken, while the ruling Congress solidifies its hold in the Assembly. Arikepudi Gandhi, MLA from Serilingampally, recently defected to the Congress in the presence of Chief Minister and TPCC chief A Revanth Reddy at his residence, boosting Congress's strength in the Assembly to 75 seats.
Despite this, Congress needs 17 more MLAs from BRS for a successful merger, a task considered daunting but ongoing according to party insiders. Discussions are actively managed by Congress advisors and ministers, aiming to sway BRS MLAs to their side.
In a twist, two influential BRS leaders have advised defecting MLAs to consider joining BJP instead of Congress. This advice has stirred internal debates within BRS ranks. Talks between these leaders and BJP counterparts have reportedly included promises of cabinet positions and other incentives in BJP-governed states if BJP gains power in the next elections.
Senior BRS figures have warned against merging with Congress, labeling it a dead end, but some MLAs have disregarded this counsel. Concerns over potential by-elections and slim victory chances therein have swayed some MLAs toward merging with Congress, especially those from Greater Hyderabad.
Sources close to the defection plans suggest active efforts by a Hyderabad-based MLA and former minister to facilitate switches before the next Assembly session, with prospects of cabinet inclusion in the works.
Meanwhile, a North Telangana MLA has likened BRS's predicament to past defection crises in Congress and Telugu Desam Party, hinting at further potential defections soon. On the Council front, support for Congress is confirmed by an MLC close to K Chandrasekhar Rao's family, hinting at imminent formal joining.
BJP, while approached by BRS leaders for MLA inclusions, remains cautious due to potential negative repercussions on their state image, despite internal discussions among BJP leaders on the matter.
As tensions rise within BRS leadership over preventing Congress mergers, strategies are being formulated to navigate the evolving political landscape.