Senior BJP leader and Union Minister for Coal & Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, declared on Monday that the upcoming Jubilee Hills bypoll has transformed into a compelling three-way contest, a scenario he believes significantly favors the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“While previous elections typically saw a direct clash between the BRS and Congress, the BJP has now firmly established itself as a formidable contender. This shift is largely due to the public’s growing disillusionment with the long-standing political players,” Reddy explained during a candid media interaction at the State BJP office.
Reddy didn’t shy away from critiquing Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, describing his recent political maneuvers, including the unexpected cabinet induction of former cricketer Mohd. Azharuddin and aggressive campaigning, as ‘desperate.’ He suggested these actions indicate the Chief Minister’s recognition that his administration’s initial appeal has faded after two years in office.
Furthermore, the BJP leader strongly advised BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao to abandon his ‘daydreaming,’ emphasizing that his party faces an uncertain future in the state. “Former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has remained confined to his farmhouse and has even avoided the Assembly. I challenge him to undertake a ‘padayatra’ (foot march) in the constituency to witness firsthand the lack of development under his government,” Reddy stated emphatically.
Despite his criticisms, the Union Minister clarified that he does not perceive the bypoll as a definitive referendum on the current Congress government. “Out of the six guarantees made, only the free bus scheme for women has been effectively implemented. Numerous other crucial promises, such as financial aid to various community sections, largely remain unfulfilled,” he highlighted.
He also condemned the State government’s management of the fee reimbursement scheme for private colleges, labeling it as irresponsible. “While it is true that this issue originated during the BRS government’s tenure, the current administration has had two years to either resolve it or address any misuse of funds. Instead, they have jeopardized the academic futures of underprivileged students by involving the vigilance department,” Reddy concluded.
Party leaders S. Prakash Reddy and N.V. Subash were also in attendance during the interaction.