Banswada in Kamareddy district is once again in the political spotlight, with speculation growing over a possible by-election. If the election becomes inevitable, former Speaker and BRS leader-turned-Congress member Pocharam Srinivas Reddy may face a tough challenge. Recent survey reports, including one by C-Voter, indicate that Pocharam’s victory will not come easily this time.
Despite strong opposition in the last assembly elections, internal conflicts within the Congress helped Pocharam secure a win. However, his position has weakened since the fall of the BRS government. Although he held prominent roles as a cabinet minister for five years and Assembly Speaker for another five, the BRS's defeat in the state elections has left the party fragmented. Meanwhile, the ruling Congress is now gearing up to consolidate its hold in Banswada.
On the other hand, BRS, recovering from Pocharam’s defection, is searching for a strong candidate to contest the by-election. BRS working president KTR recently met with party leaders from Banswada, and MLC K. Kavitha conducted an extensive tour of the segment, energizing party cadres. The BRS leadership is now strategizing to defeat Pocharam in the likely by-election. The party is also pursuing a legal battle over nine other assembly segments where its MLAs defected to Congress.
In light of these developments, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is said to have discussed the by-election strategy with Congress leadership in Delhi. Meanwhile, a C-Voter survey on ten constituencies suggests that Congress and BRS are likely to win four seats each if by-elections are held. The survey predicts that Congress has an edge in Bhadrachalam, Gadwal, Patancheru, and Serilingampally, while BRS is expected to perform well in Chevella, Station Ghanpur, Banswada, and Jagtial. A tight contest is anticipated in Khairatabad and Rajendranagar.
The survey, shared on social media, did not provide insights into the BJP’s current standing. As the political battle intensifies, all eyes are now on the Election Commission’s decision regarding potential by-elections in Telangana.
