The TRS had claimed in the campaign that its manifesto and developmental works would bring it back to power. Schemes like Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bheema and pension schemes initiated by the TRS have been popular among the people.
As Telangana recorded 67.7% voter turnout in the Assembly polls on Friday, rural areas ruled the roost. Madhira constituency in Khammam district registered over 91% votes, while Malakpet recorded only 40% votes. The Hyderabad district overall recorded a little over 50% voter turnout.
With these numbers, the TRS as well as the Praja Kutami, People’s Front, leaders are confident of securing the power here. The grand alliance ‘Praja Kutami’ — comprising the Congress, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Telangana Jan Samithi (TJS) and the CPI – are pitted against the TRS.
The exit polls have, however, hinted towards the TRS coming back to power. Survey organisations have given minimum of 50 seats and maximum of 91. The Praja Kutami has been given minimum 27 and maximum 52 seats.
The TRS had claimed in the campaign that its manifesto and developmental works would bring it back to power. Schemes like Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bheema and pension schemes initiated by the TRS have been popular among the people. People who had shifted to cities, reportedly went back to their villages to cast the vote.
For Satya Narayana, working as a watchman in Hyderabad, the Rythu Bandhu scheme has been a blessing as he earns Rs 16,000 per anum from his land in Arepally village. His mother has been a beneficiary of Asara pension scheme. Narayana, along with his wife, went to his village to exercise franchise.
Putti Durgaiah, a private lecturer from Sardhana village of Medak constituency did not want to vote for the TRS as the government kept him waiting for a job. “My father is a farmer and insisted that I vote for the TRS. He is getting favour from the government,” says Durgaiah, pinning his hopes on the TRS as he voted for the party.
However, the analysis by former MP Lagadapati Rajagopal has given the edge to Praja Kutami with 65 seats. He has predicted only 35 seats for the TRS.
The former MP also said that the accurate pulse of the people cannot be measured as money factor is involved in the elections. “I will conduct post poll survey,” Rajagopal said.
There are apprehensions among people that Chandrababu Naidu might dominate Praja Kutami. It is believed that Naidu favours Andhra Pradesh and not Telangana.
On the other hand, eminent political analyst, Prof. Nageswar estimates 70 seats for TRS. He believes that “Chandrababu Naidu factor” damaged the Praja Kutami.
Amid speculations and calculations, the counting for votes in Telangana will take place on December 11. #KhabarLive
