Hyderabad: Congress Chief Minister Sets Ambitious 90% Target for Municipal Elections
Ahead of the crucial municipal elections in Hyderabad, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday revealed that internal surveys indicate a strengthening positive momentum in favor of the Congress party. Following his return from a visit to the United States early Monday, the chief minister immediately convened an online strategy meeting with key party leaders to chart the course for the upcoming civic polls.
Strategic Roadmap and Candidate Selection Process
Revanth Reddy laid out a comprehensive roadmap for ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Council, legislators, district party presidents, and contesting candidates. He emphasized that candidates receiving B-forms must directly engage with voters using localized election manifestos tailored to community needs. The chief minister directed party leaders to issue B-forms exclusively to candidates with the strongest winning prospects, as determined by detailed survey feedback and ground assessments.
Priority must be given to loyal party workers who demonstrate substantial local support during the candidate finalization process, Revanth stated during the virtual meeting. He added a significant caveat: if any minister or District Congress Committee president personally recommends a candidate, they will bear full responsibility for ensuring that candidate's electoral victory.
Accommodating Strong Aspirants and Ensuring Party Unity
In a move to maintain party cohesion, the chief minister announced that strong aspirants who narrowly missed receiving tickets but secured second position in internal surveys would be accommodated as chairpersons and directors in various state-run corporations. This strategic decision aims to retain valuable talent within the party fold while rewarding dedication and electoral potential.
Revanth Reddy stressed the critical importance of collective effort, urging unity and coordination among all party ranks. Converting favorable survey trends into actual electoral victories requires disciplined teamwork and synchronized campaigning, he emphasized. The chief minister specifically warned against repeating mistakes made during previous panchayat elections and cautioned party members to avoid internal dissent that could undermine campaign effectiveness.
Addressing Reservation Concerns and Campaign Planning
When concerns were raised regarding reservations and pressure from Backward Class leaders and communities, the meeting participants agreed to ensure justice for BC communities in candidate selection. Additionally, they resolved to intensify pressure on the central government to approve enhanced BC quota bills previously submitted by the state government.
The chief minister called for detailed planning at both campaign and polling booth levels, with ministers, DCC presidents, and candidates collaborating closely. He asked all leaders to treat the civic elections as their top priority and maintain the same level of discipline and coordination demonstrated during the successful Jubilee Hills by-election campaign.
Meeting Participants and Strategic Directives
The online meeting included All India Congress Committee leader Meenakshi Natarajan, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president B Mahesh Kumar Goud, various ministers, District Congress Committee presidents, and members of the Pradesh Election Committee. Participants unanimously agreed that focused campaigning combined with disciplined coordination would be essential for achieving electoral success in the municipal polls.
Revanth Reddy reminded attendees that municipal elections must be taken seriously as they are contested on party symbols, representing a direct reflection of public sentiment toward the ruling administration. The chief minister's directives create a clear framework for Congress party workers as they prepare for what promises to be a closely watched electoral contest in Hyderabad's municipal landscape.
