Hyderabad Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi Joins Congress: A Significant Political Move
After a series of discreet discussions with AICC Telangana in-charge Deepa Dasmunsi, GHMC Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi officially made her move on Saturday, March 30, by joining the Congress party. Her decision follows her recent departure from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), marking a significant shift in her political allegiance.
Vijayalakshmi’s move underscores the strategic maneuvering and behind-the-scenes negotiations that often characterize political transitions, particularly in dynamic regional contexts like Telangana. With her entry into the Congress fold, the political landscape of Hyderabad is poised for potential transformations, as alliances and allegiances continue to evolve ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
Official Welcome into Congress for Hyderabad Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi
In a formal ceremony, Deepa Dasmunsi, the AICC Telangana in-charge, along with Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, extended a warm welcome to Hyderabad Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi as she officially joined the Congress party.
This public endorsement from key figures within the party highlights the significance of her move and underscores the strategic importance of her alliance. Furthermore, it has been revealed that her father, the senior BRS MP K Keshava Rao, is also set to join the Congress party shortly.
His anticipated entry into the fold is expected to be marked by an event graced by the presence of former AICC chief Sonia Gandhi. These developments signal a notable shift in political dynamics, setting the stage for potential transformations within the party and the broader political landscape of Telangana.
Impact of Hyderabad Mayor’s Allegiance Shift on Congress
The decision of Hyderabad Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi to switch her allegiance is anticipated to inject vitality into the Congress party, particularly in the wake of its lackluster performance in the Greater Hyderabad region during the Assembly elections, where it failed to secure any of the 24 MLA seats. This move holds significant promise for Congress, especially considering the crucial electoral influence of the Greater Hyderabad area.
In the preceding elections for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in 2020, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) emerged as the dominant force, clinching victory in 55 out of 150 wards. The BJP emerged as the primary opposition with 48 seats, while the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, secured 44 wards. In stark contrast, the Congress party managed to secure only two wards, highlighting its weakened position in the region.
Vijayalakshmi, who previously served as a corporator representing the Banjara Hills ward, made history by becoming the first woman Mayor following the formation of the Telangana state. Her strategic move to join Congress is poised to reshape political equations in Hyderabad, potentially bolstering the party’s prospects in future electoral battles within the region.
Hyderabad Mayor’s Rationale for Joining Congress and Keshava Rao’s Return
Hyderabad Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi has staunchly defended her decision to align with the Congress party, emphasizing the importance of smooth governance for developmental initiatives. She asserts that being in sync with the ruling party facilitates the seamless execution of developmental projects, thereby benefitting the populace.
Meanwhile, the return of Keshava Rao to Congress marks a significant development in the political landscape. Having been associated with Congress for 55 years before switching to the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in 2013, Keshava Rao’s decision to rejoin Congress underscores a strategic realignment in his political trajectory. His return was communicated to BRS president and former chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.
These moves by Keshava Rao and his daughter represent another setback for the BRS, which faced a significant defeat to Congress in the November 30, 2023 elections. The shifting allegiances within the political arena highlight the fluidity of political alliances and the ever-evolving dynamics of power play in Telangana.
Leadership Exodus Deals Blow to BRS as Congress and BJP Gain
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has been dealt a series of blows with the departure of several key figures, including five sitting MPs and an MLA, who have defected to either the Congress or the BJP. Adding to the turmoil, another significant setback for the BRS comes with the decision of its leader and MLA, Kadiyam Srihari, and his daughter, Kadiyam Kavya, to leave the party.
Kadiyam Srihari, who opted out of contesting as a BRS candidate for the Warangal Lok Sabha seat, along with his daughter, announced their departure from the party. This move underscores the widening cracks within the BRS leadership and highlights the growing discontent among its ranks.
In a further blow to the BRS, Deepa Dasmunshi and other Congress leaders met with Kadiyam Srihari and his daughter in Hyderabad on Friday, extending an invitation for them to join the Congress party. This development signifies a significant gain for Congress as it capitalizes on the disarray within the BRS ranks, further reshaping the political landscape in Telangana.
Former Deputy Chief Minister Srihari Contemplates Future Steps
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, Srihari, has announced his intention to deliberate with his followers before making a definitive decision about his political future. Elected to the Assembly from the Station Ghanpur constituency in the recent Assembly elections, Srihari’s stance reflects a critical juncture in his political trajectory.
Expressing concerns about the Bharat Rashtra Samithi’s (BRS) declining influence, Srihari highlighted the various factors contributing to the party’s waning support. He emphasized the necessity of addressing these issues to better serve the constituents and fulfill their aspirations. Srihari’s deliberative approach underscores the gravity of the decision-making process as he navigates the evolving political landscape of Telangana.
