Is the ruling TRS changing its strategy? Normally, when the popularity graph begins to fall, TRS supremo and Chief Minister KCR will go aggressive and call for early elections. This mantra has helped him in the 2019 assembly elections, panchayat and the municipal elections in the state. He swept the opposition off its feet and registered impressive victories.

But, this strategy boomeranged in the GHMC elections. Though the term of the incumbent GHMC council was to expire in February, he called for early elections and lost badly. The disenchantment against the non-performing TRS was palpable and the party received a drubbing from the BJP. Now, KCR, it appears, has decided to change strategy. He seems to be of the opinion that instead of calling for early elections, he should wait till the expiry of the current council in Warangal and Khammam. In both the places, the BjP is quite resurgent and leaders from all other parties are joining the BjP.

The term of the civic bodies in both Khammam and Warangal will end in March this year. So, the TRS will wait till March and might even bring in the special officers to delay the elections to the extent possible. The idea is that the TRS would refurbish its image, with the confidence of the voters and then only go in for elections. But, will this strategy succeed? Let’s wait and see how things unfold.

This year’s New Year celebrations have been quite subdued for the TRS leaders. Many MLAs and even some ministers have not gone over to the Pragathi Bhavan to greet KCR. Not just that, several MLAs and ministers are not even active in their respective constituencies. Want to know why? Then read on.

The GHMC election results have left a bitter taste in the mouth of several TRS biggies. They are so shocked and ashamed that they are afraid of meeting KCR. For instance, Sabitha Indra Reddy’s Maheshwaram witnessed a complete rout of the TRS. There were two divisions and both went to the BJP. In Rajendranagar constituency, where Home Minister Mahmood Ali was the incharge, the TRS lost all the five seats. It was a complete rout again. Minister Talasani could barely retain half of the divisions in his constituency. Similarly, the divisions where ministers Etela Rajender, Gangula Kamalakar, Niranjan Reddy and Jagadeeshwar Reddy had campaigned also saw the rout of the TRS.

Even MLAs like Bethi Subhash Reddy and Sayanna had to eat a humble pie. The only minister who came out unscathed is Harish Rao. He was incharge of three divisions and he had managed to ensure TRS victories in all the three places. All other MLAs and ministers have had egg on their faces. Hence they are afraid of confronting the chief minister.