KCR: Strongman and his shaky citadel (image: twitter.com/BRSparty)
K. Chandrasekhar Rao, popularly known by the acronym KCR, is seeking his third successive term as Chief Minister in the upcoming assembly elections in Telangana. Founder of Telangana state and supremo of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), is expecting nothing short of hat-trick. “KCR is never worried; we will win a third term in Telangana,” KCR says in his exclusive conversation with India Today. Counting on welfare schemes and Telangana sentiment, KCR calculates that BRS will win election with comfortable majority.
The 69-year-old KCR began his career with Youth Congress and then joined Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1983.Though he held significant position in TDP and in the cabinet, in 2001 he resigned from the party and founded Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) with an aim of furthering a separate statehood for the people of Telangana region. TRS was part of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government-led by Congress, and later withdrew from the alliance citing that they are not heeding to the demand of separate Telangana state. In November 2009, he began an indefinite fast for the formation of Telangana state, which resulted UPA government agreeing his demand. Thus, the new state was formed in 2014, where KCR emerged as the face of the protest and first chief Minister. Even now, KCR”s speeches are marked by emotional intent. He appeals to voters over his struggles and sacrifices for the new Telangana state. Besides, KCR skillfully lists Telangana growth story, by demonstrating rise in Per Capita Income, advancements in power and irrigation supply, and by riding on the welfare schemes focusing minorities, rural population and elderly.
KCR is a master strategist. He grabbed the first-mover advantage by releasing the candidates list for the assembly election in August 21 itself. Except few, most of sitting MLAs are contesting in the election, because he foresees possibility of them turning turncoats. The aggressive election strategy is apparent as he is leading the election campaigns from front and is present in almost all assembly constituencies directly or indirectly. His organisation of Praja Ashirvada Sabha (People”s Blessing Rallies) is another example.
Furthermore, his shrewd political sense is evident in the centralised system of leadership where he controls all key areas of functioning. Though opposition calls vesting all power with him as autocracy, in the interview, he says: “KCR certainly decides on key issues because, as a founder of Telangana, I know the requirements of the state . . .” His domineering and know-all attitude reflect the style of administration he follows. The control even extends to suspending the operating of civil organisation and provision of expressing dissent.
Though KCR valiantly pitches on Telangana model of growth, focusing generous investment subsidies given to farmers, innovative incentive schemes for industry rapid growth, the rampant corruption and unemployment crisis in the state point to the severe anti-incumbency. Besides, KCR”s seat in Gajwel assembly constituency faces highest numbers nomination in the State, many fielded themselves as “protest” candidates underlining the discontent the Chief Minister faces as he is seeking Third term.
Will KCR become the first Chief Minister in South India to continue in power for a third time, or the anti-incumbency wave and political fatigue close to 10 years will tarnish KCR”s hopes, the results will tell.
