Explain Telangana election in 500 words
The Telangana election held in December 2018 was a significant event in the political landscape of India. Telangana, a state in southern India, was formed in 2014 after it was carved out of the larger state of Andhra Pradesh. The 2018 election was the first assembly election held in Telangana after its formation as a separate state.
The main political parties that contested the election were the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), the Indian National Congress (INC), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). The TRS, led by Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao, was the ruling party in the state and sought re-election. The INC, led by its president Rahul Gandhi, aimed to challenge the TRS's dominance. The BJP and TDP formed an alliance to contest the election.
The campaign for the Telangana election was intense and witnessed several key issues being raised by the political parties. The TRS focused on its achievements during its tenure, such as the implementation of welfare schemes like Rythu Bandhu (an agricultural investment support scheme) and Mission Bhagiratha (a drinking water supply project). The party also emphasized its commitment to regional development and Telangana's cultural identity.
The INC, on the other hand, criticized the TRS government for alleged failures in delivering on its promises and accused it of corruption. The party promised to address issues like unemployment, farmer distress, and the lack of quality education and healthcare facilities. The BJP-TDP alliance campaigned on issues such as national security, illegal immigration, and the need for a stronger central government presence in the state.
The election witnessed a high voter turnout, with over 73% of eligible voters exercising their franchise. The TRS emerged as the clear winner, securing 88 out of the 119 seats in the state assembly. The INC managed to win 19 seats, while the BJP-TDP alliance could only secure one seat each. The TRS's victory was seen as a validation of its governance and welfare-oriented policies.
The election results were significant for several reasons. Firstly, it reaffirmed the popularity of K. Chandrashekhar Rao, who was re-elected as Chief Minister. Secondly, it showcased the TRS's ability to maintain its dominance in Telangana politics despite facing a challenge from the national parties like the INC and BJP. Thirdly, it highlighted the declining influence of the TDP, which had been a major political force in the region.
The Telangana election also had implications for national politics. The TRS, which had previously supported the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the center, decided to distance itself from the BJP after the election. This move was seen as an attempt by the TRS to position itself as a regional party with a potential role in national politics.
In conclusion, the Telangana election of 2018 was a significant event that witnessed the TRS securing a resounding victory and reaffirming its hold on the state. The election results had implications for both regional and national politics, setting the stage for further developments in the coming years.