Nothing seems to work for BRS right now. The party already faced a heavy defeat in the Jubilee Hills by-election, and pressure continues to build.
Before BRS could recover, Revanth Reddy pushed for Panchayat elections, aiming to secure a majority. The Opposition wanted more time, and it was clear they were not ready to face polls at this moment.
BC associations later approached the High Court seeking to stall the elections. Though BRS did not file the petition, the intention behind delaying polls was easy to understand. The move, however, did not work.
The High Court refused to stay the Panchayat elections. Backward caste groups objected to GO 46 and demanded reservations based on ABCD categorisation within BCs. They told the court the most backward groups needed priority.
The court questioned why the notification was challenged after the process began. It ordered the government to file a counter and posted the next hearing eight weeks later. With that, the elections proceed as planned.
BRS now has no option but to contest. Telangana Gram Panchayat polls will take place in three phases on December 11, 14 and 17. Even if the party moves to the Supreme Court, a similar outcome appears likely.
Motivating leaders and cadres will be difficult in the current atmosphere. Congress already plans for unanimous victories where possible. Once Panchayat polls conclude, the government intends to complete pending local elections, dealing a deeper blow to the Opposition.
