Hyderabad, Nov 21: With less than 10 days until polling, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Congress party in Telangana are intensifying efforts to court Muslim voters, a significant factor in 40 out of the 119 Assembly constituencies. Muslims constitute nearly 13% of the state’s 3.26 crore voters, making them a crucial demographic.
While the BRS, aiming for a third consecutive term, believes Muslim voters will continue supporting it, the resurgent Congress hopes for a repeat of Karnataka, where Muslim voters played a pivotal role in the party’s success. However, political analysts suggest that Muslim votes might get divided between the BRS and Congress.
The political landscape in Karnataka is considered incomparable to Telangana, where the BJP’s rule in the neighboring state emphasized Hindutva, creating a unique context. Telangana, under BRS rule since its formation in 2014, has maintained a secular image, free from major communal issues.
The BRS is relying on its alliance with the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM), a dominant political player in Hyderabad. MIM is contesting nine seats, with the remaining backed by the BRS. While Congress has only two Muslim candidates, the BRS highlights its track record of peace and communal harmony during its campaign.
The BRS emphasizes its commitment to minority welfare, citing an expenditure of Rs 12,780 crore over ten years. It claims to have increased the minority welfare budget and implemented educational development measures. The party also showcases financial support for the marriage of poor minority girls under the ‘Shadi Mubarak’ scheme.
In contrast, the Congress accuses the BRS of having a secret understanding with the BJP and MIM. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra question MIM’s contesting only nine seats, alleging support to the BJP. The Congress promises to increase the minority budget, ensure fair reservation, and provide subsidized loans for jobless minority youth and women.
As the election approaches, whether Muslim voters will continue supporting the BRS or shift allegiance to the Congress remains uncertain.
