BRS VS CONGRESS VS BJP: FUTURE OF TELANGANA POLITICS

Telangana, India’s youngest state formed in 2014, has quickly become a major political battleground. The politics of this state have been dominated by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), earlier known as Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), which played the biggest role in the fight for a separate state. For almost a decade, BRS remained the main political power in Telangana. However, recent elections and changing public mood have opened the door for both Congress and BJP to rise as strong challengers.

The future of Telangana politics will likely be shaped by the three main parties – BRS, Congress, and BJP – each with different strategies, strengths, and weaknesses.

BRS: The Regional Stronghold Under Pressure

The BRS, led by K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), has been the ruling party in Telangana for two straight terms (2014–2023). The party earned huge support during the Telangana statehood movement, as people trusted KCR to bring development, irrigation projects, welfare schemes, and pride to the new state. For years, BRS successfully positioned itself as the voice of Telangana identity.

However, after nearly 10 years in power, the party is facing anti-incumbency. Allegations of corruption, unfulfilled promises, family dominance, and farmer distress have weakened its grip. The 2023 assembly elections showed this clearly, as Congress defeated BRS and formed the government.

Even though BRS has lost power, it is still a strong force. The party has grassroots networks, experienced leaders, and loyal supporters in rural areas. Its survival now depends on how effectively it can rebuild trust, present new leadership beyond KCR’s family, and convince people that it is still the best option for Telangana’s growth.

Congress: The Comeback Party

For years, Congress was weak in Telangana after the formation of the new state. Many people blamed it for delays in granting statehood. But in 2023, Congress made a major comeback by winning the assembly elections under the leadership of Revanth Reddy.

Congress’s return shows that people wanted change from BRS. The party gained support by promising farmer welfare, unemployment allowances, women empowerment schemes, and a fresh governance style. With Revanth Reddy as Chief Minister, Congress is now trying to rebuild its base across the state.

The biggest challenge for Congress is to deliver on its promises quickly. Telangana voters are known for expecting fast results, and if the government fails, people may shift again. Another challenge is managing internal conflicts within the party, as Congress leaders often clash with each other.

Still, if Congress can show strong governance, control corruption, and keep its promises, it has a good chance to remain in power and even expand further in the 2028 elections.

BJP: The Rising Challenger

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which rules India at the national level, has been slowly growing in Telangana. A few years ago, it had very little presence in the state. But after 2019, the party began focusing strongly on Telangana, hoping to become the main alternative to BRS and Congress.

BJP has gained popularity in urban areas, among youth, and with sections of middle-class voters. Its strong presence in neighboring Karnataka and its national influence give it confidence. Leaders like Bandi Sanjay and Kishan Reddy have worked to spread the party’s message of nationalism, development, and welfare.

However, BJP still faces big challenges. It does not have deep rural networks like BRS or Congress, and Telangana voters often prefer regional parties. Also, the party has not yet projected a strong chief ministerial face who can connect emotionally with people.

Still, BJP cannot be ignored. If it continues to grow steadily, it might become a kingmaker in the future, or even emerge as the main challenger in the next elections.

The Road Ahead

The future of Telangana politics looks like a three-cornered fight between BRS, Congress, and BJP. Each party has its own path:

BRS must reinvent itself, focus on farmer issues, and fight anti-incumbency.

Congress must deliver on promises and avoid internal fights to retain people’s trust.

BJP must expand in villages and project strong local leadership to become a real contender.

Telangana voters have shown that they are politically aware and ready to change governments if needed. They gave BRS two terms, but then handed Congress power when they felt a change was necessary. This means the state’s politics will remain dynamic, with no single party enjoying permanent dominance.

In the coming years, Telangana’s political future will depend on who can truly address key issues like farmer welfare, jobs for youth, better irrigation, urban development, and corruption-free governance. The party that can combine strong local connect with clear development will shape the destiny of this young and ambitious state.