28-11-2023 : As the campaigning for the upcoming Assembly elections concluded in Telangana, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took center stage in Hyderabad, rallying voters with an appeal to oust Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) in favor of the Congress, encapsulated in the party’s slogan ‘Bye Bye KCR.’ Joined by General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and Telangana Congress President Revanth Reddy, Rahul Gandhi led a spirited roadshow from Anand Bagh Chowrasta to Malkajgiri Chowrasta.
Addressing the gathered crowd, Rahul Gandhi questioned the absence of legal actions against KCR despite his alleged opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He asserted that he had personally witnessed KCR’s cooperation with the Centre in the Lok Sabha, particularly during significant events like demonetization and the farm bills. Drawing attention to the political landscape, Rahul Gandhi highlighted a perceived alliance between AIMIM, BJP, and BRS, emphasizing the need to bid farewell to KCR in the upcoming elections.
“We have to say Bye-bye to KCR in these elections. BRS needs to be removed from Telangana, and PM Modi from the Centre,” asserted Rahul Gandhi. He contended that his fight was solely against Prime Minister Modi, accusing him of sowing seeds of hatred in the nation. Reflecting on personal experiences, Rahul Gandhi disclosed the initiation of legal actions against him, stating, “They (BJP) took away my official residence. I said I don’t want it. My home is in the hearts of people. I have 24 cases against me on directions of PM Modi.”
Highlighting the personal aspect of his connection with the people, Rahul Gandhi emphasized a familial relation beyond politics, recalling the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. He delineated his vision for an India characterized by love, opposing the divisive narrative he attributed to PM Modi. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi echoed these sentiments, pledging an honest government for Telangana if the Congress secures victory.
“If you form a Congress government, we will fulfill our six guarantees, and we will form an honest government for you,” stated Priyanka Gandhi. The campaigning concluded on Tuesday, paving the way for the triangular contest between the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Congress, and BJP in the Telangana polls scheduled for November 30. In the previous Assembly elections in 2018, BRS secured a dominant position with 88 out of 119 seats, while the Congress and BJP lagged behind with 19 seats and no seats, respectively.