The Rise of Backward Classes in Telangana Politics 

A Shifting Political Landscape?

In politics, alliances can upend equations. A BJP-BRS tie-up, leveraging complementary strengths—BRS's regional base and BJP's national clout—could ensure victory, sidelining Congress

CL Rajam

As we usher in the New Year, heartfelt wishes for prosperity and peace to all readers, the public, and political stakeholders across Telangana. The year 2026 promises to be pivotal, marking the end of the two-year "honeymoon period" for Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's Congress government, which assumed power in December 2023. With assembly elections slated for late 2028 and potential simultaneous parliamentary polls in 2029, parties are already sharpening strategies, building alliances, and mobilizing key demographics. Amid this brewing storm, the Backward Classes (BCs)—comprising over 50% of Telangana's population according to the 2021 caste census—are emerging as a decisive force, reshaping the political narrative from grassroots to state-level power plays.

The Congress regime's first two years have been a mix of consolidation and challenges. Revanth Reddy's administration focused on welfare schemes like the six guarantees, including farm loan waivers and free bus travel for women, but implementation hiccups—such as delays in RythuBharosa payouts and unfulfilled job promises—have drawn criticism. In 2025, the government cleared a landmark 42% BC reservation in local body elections, a move hailed as empowering marginalized groups but criticized by opposition for being politically timed. This quota, implemented via government orders in September, aimed to address historical underrepresentation, with BCs now guaranteed proportional seats in panchayats and municipalities. However, protests erupted in October over disputes in quota allocation, leading to statewide bandhs backed by BRS and BJP, highlighting simmering caste tensions. 

Strategically, Congress appears to leverage Revanth Reddy's image as a Reddy community champion, potentially polarizing voters along caste lines to consolidate support. Reddys, a dominant forward caste making up about 6-8% of the population, have historically influenced politics, business, and land holdings. Recent statements from Revanth indicate a no-holds-barred approach to prevent the Bharat RashtraSamithi (BRS) from regaining power, even if it means tacit alliances or compromises elsewhere. As one analyst noted, his mindset seems geared toward ensuring "anyone but BRS" wins, prioritizing defeat of rivals over Congress's own resurgence. This could manifest in a Reddy vs. BC narrative, especially if Telugu Desam Party (TDP) allies with BJP, fragmenting anti-Congress votes and inadvertently boosting BRS through fireworks of multi-cornered contests.

BRS, under K ChandrashekarRao (KCR), is positioning for a comeback by amplifying Telangana-specific grievances, particularly water sharing injustices with Andhra Pradesh under the Krishna River Management Board. The party plans to elevate diverse leaders—Reddys, BCs, women, and Scheduled Castes (SCs)—in committees and public forums, countering perceptions of family dominance. With stalwarts like KT Rama Rao (KTR) and T. Harish Rao leading the charge, BRS banks on oratory prowess, past governance experience (2014-2023), and financial muscle. KTR's recent jibe at Revanth—"I'll play football with him"—reflects aggressive rhetoric targeting Congress's promise failures, such as incomplete irrigation projects and youth unemployment. Data from the 2025 panchayat elections underscores BRS's resilience: despite Congress sweeping over 7,000 sarpanch seats statewide, BRS-backed candidates secured strongholds in northern districts, signaling a revival amid anti-incumbency pockets. 

The BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP), still finding its footing in Telangana, could surge in the final run-up to elections. With eight MPs from the 2024 LokSabha polls, the party leverages Prime Minister NarendraModi's charisma, Home Minister Amit Shah's organizational acumen, and RSS-backed Hindu sentiment. BJP's agenda emphasizes central funds for projects like the Regional Ring Road and critiques both Congress and BRS for unkept promises. Simultaneous elections would amplify national waves, favoring BJP. Internal dynamics, however, pose challenges: Malkajgiri MP EtelaRajender, a prominent BC leader, faced speculation of forming a separate party amid rifts with figures like Bandi Sanjay Kumar. Rajender dismissed such rumors in September affirming loyalty, but his potential exit with Reddy allies could draw BC votes. 

At the heart of this churn is the undeniable rise of BCs. The 2025 gram panchayat elections, held in three phases ending December 17, saw BC candidates clinch 4,787 of 11,491 sarpanch posts—about 42%—including many in open categories, indicating grassroots empowerment beyond quotas. In Karimnagar, BCs won over 50% of seats, a trend echoed in Nalgonda and other districts where BC families reported increased political participation amid tensions. This surge stems from growing awareness and organization; BCs, fragmented across sub-castes like MunnuruKapu and Yadavs, are demanding stronger representation. Parties are responding: Congress's quota push, BRS's inclusive committees, and BJP's cadre mobilization all prioritize BC outreach.

The BC unity hinges on leadership. If BJP projects a BC face as CM candidate, it could consolidate support, given the party's national resources. Alternatively, MLC TeenmarMallanna'sTelanganaRajyadhikara Party (TRP), launched in September, is gaining traction among BC youth for critiquing Reddy dominance and advocating exclusive BC empowerment. TRP's formation marks a "turning point," with Mallanna positioning it as a platform against Reddy’s, attracting activists from the Telangana movement. Without a unified front, BC votes may split among the three majors, diluting the impact.

In politics, alliances can upend equations. A BJP-BRS tie-up, leveraging complementary strengths—BRS's regional base and BJP's national clout—could ensure victory, sidelining Congress. Otherwise, a triangular contest looms, leading to a fractured mandate where post-poll permutations, driven by numbers and money, determine government formation. As seen in 2025's turbulent landscape—revival bids, governance lapses, and regional spats—development and public issues risk being overshadowed by caste fireworks. 

Ultimately, BCs' ascent signals a democratizing shift in Telangana's politics, where marginalized voices demand equity. With 52% of the population per the BC Commission data, their choices could tip the scales in 2028-29. As parties vie for this bloc, the state braces for intense battles, but the real win lies in addressing core concerns like employment (youth unemployment at 16% in 2025) and water equity. 

Happy New Year

may it bring inclusive progress