BRS Likely to Release First List of 87 Candidates on August 21, Telangana Assembly Elections 2023

Latest update: Telangana Assembly Elections 2023: BRS Announces First List of Candidates | KCR to Contest from Gajwel and Kamareddy

Hyderabad, Telangana: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is gearing up to reveal its first list of candidates for the much-anticipated Assembly elections scheduled for December 2023. The announcement, expected to take place on August 21, 2023, holds immense significance as party insiders suggest that about 95% of the current sitting legislators will be fielded once more.

The BRS President and Chief Minister, K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), has reportedly been meticulously finalizing candidates for the majority of the seats. While the initial list is anticipated to encompass candidates for 87 seats, the remaining 32 seats’ names will be disclosed later, maintaining an air of suspense.

KCR’s decision to unveil the candidate list on August 21 is influenced by his belief in the auspiciousness of the day. As the Sravana Masam commences on August 18, this chosen date aligns with his preference for propitious moments. The buzz around the announcement is further fueled by reports suggesting that KCR has already chosen candidates for 112 out of the 119 seats. Interestingly, KCR’s projected changes in constituencies are limited to around 10-12, demonstrating his strategic retention strategy.

Sources indicate that certain constituencies are likely to experience shifts, with potential denials of seats to sitting MLAs in specific regions. The erstwhile Adilabad district could see changes in two constituencies, while single-seat changes are projected in Medak, Warangal, Karimnagar, and Ranga Reddy. The intrigue deepens as party insiders hint at the inclusion of a Legislative Council member and a Zilla Parishad chairperson among the candidates.

Presently holding 104 seats in the 119-member State Assembly, the BRS’s sway is undeniable. It’s worth noting that 14 MLAs from Congress and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) joined BRS after the 2018 elections, further boosting the party’s influence. While the party confidently eyes a hat-trick, internal discord and multiple aspirants for tickets pose challenges in certain constituencies. Consequently, KCR’s decision to release candidates for these segments at a later date is a strategic maneuver to ensure harmony.

Unlike the 2018 elections, where KCR announced candidates for 105 constituencies in one go, this time he intends to reveal 87 names in the first list. This deliberate tactic allows room for any deserving candidates who might have been overlooked to find their place in the subsequent list. Amidst this backdrop, the speculation surrounding BRS’s chief KCR contesting once again from Gajwel in Siddipet district remains strong.

Speculation around the number of candidates in the list is rife, with various numbers shared by leaders, including 51, 60, 78, 87, 96, and 105. While party tradition dictates a comprehensive list, sources suggest that the first list will comprise MLAs who performed well in surveys commissioned by the Chief Minister. The second list, however, will be held back for further assessment, as not all MLAs met expectations.

BRS’s strategic moves indicate a thoughtful approach toward securing a triumphant position in the upcoming Telangana Assembly elections 2023. As August 21 approaches, all eyes are on the BRS’s first list of candidates—a pivotal step in shaping the region’s political future.