Telangana turns into hub of secret political deals

c l rajam

Telangana has emerged as the new hotspot of covert political strategies, where secret deals between parties are shaping the course of elections. Across the state, a web of silent understandings and strategic handshakes between political rivals is confusing the electorate and blurring party lines. While open alliances and coalitions are a normal part of Indian politics, it is the hidden pacts and backroom agreements that are now drawing widespread criticism in Telangana.

These backdoor tie-ups, which often remain under wraps until election results are out, are believed to have a major influence on outcomes. Political observers say the ongoing by-election in Jubilee Hills is a prime example, as the shadow of collusion politics looms large. Such developments are expected to have a far-reaching impact on the 2028 Assembly elections. Each party is said to be operating with a different motive — Congress to consolidate its growing support, BRS to regain lost ground, and BJP to strengthen its image as an alternative force in the state.

Past allegations against BRS

After ruling Telangana for a decade, the BRS has frequently faced accusations of having covert deals with its rivals. During the previous Lok Sabha elections, opposition parties alleged that the BRS had extended secret support to the BJP. Despite the denials, Congress and other opposition groups strongly propagated the claim that the BRS fielded weak candidates in key constituencies to ensure BJP victories.

In the 2023 Assembly elections, the BRS lost power to Congress, and the subsequent 2024 Parliamentary elections turned out to be disastrous for the KCR-led party — it failed to win even a single seat for the first time since its formation. Congress won eight MP seats, while the BJP doubled its tally from four to eight. These numbers further strengthened suspicions that the BRS had indirectly helped the BJP by diverting votes away from Congress. Though BRS leaders dismissed the charges as politically motivated, analysts observed that the party had largely targeted Congress during its campaign, inadvertently benefiting the BJP.

Jubilee Hills by-election sparks new debate

The same debate has now resurfaced in the Jubilee Hills by-election. During its decade-long rule, BRS maintained a friendly understanding with AIMIM, though not through formal alliances. AIMIM largely avoided strong contests in constituencies where BRS was dominant, and in return, BRS often stayed away from AIMIM strongholds in Hyderabad.

Now, with Congress in power, the relationship between AIMIM and BRS seems to have changed. Interestingly, AIMIM chose not to field a candidate in the Jubilee Hills by-election and publicly announced support for Congress nominee Naveen Yadav. However, political whispers suggest that AIMIM may still be informally backing the BRS behind the scenes. The remarks of senior Congress leader Shabbir Ali, who accused AIMIM of secret coordination with BRS, have added fuel to the speculation.

Given AIMIM’s strong influence among minority voters, analysts say even a subtle shift in its strategy could divide the Congress vote bank, indirectly aiding the BRS. The scenario highlights how informal partnerships can shape electoral equations in the state’s urban constituencies.

Public discontent over neglect of issues

While political parties are busy playing the alliance game, the public mood appears grim. Citizens across Telangana complain that neither the ruling party nor the opposition is focusing on real issues such as employment, inflation, and basic amenities. Election debates are dominated by accusations and counter-accusations instead of concrete policy commitments.

Voters say leaders are preoccupied with election arithmetic and power strategies rather than the state’s economic growth and public welfare. “People are struggling with unresolved civic and livelihood issues, but parties are busy accusing each other of secret deals,” one voter remarked. Political observers warn that unless parties shift their focus from power politics to people’s welfare, voter frustration will continue to deepen.

As Telangana heads toward another crucial election cycle, the rise of secret deals and shifting loyalties has made politics in the state more unpredictable than ever. The growing perception that parties prioritize power over public good is likely to become a defining issue in the years to come.