Tickets only for loyal workers, says Telangana BJP chief

Hyderabad: Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao urged cadre to draw inspiration from the party’s victory in West Bengal and work diligently for the upcoming Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections. He was speaking at a meeting with division presidents and senior leaders from the GHMC, along with Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma. He noted that following the GHMC delimitation process, the number of wards has increased to 300, with reports suggesting it could rise to 350. He emphasised the need for the BJP to be fully prepared for the elections, which are likely to be held in Sept or Oct this year.Reflecting on the BJP’s strong performance in the 2020 GHMC elections, Rao pointed out that the party had won 48 seats independently, despite facing the combined political strength of BRS and the AIMIM. He said the result demonstrated the growing confidence of the people of Hyderabad in the BJP.He made it clear that party tickets would be awarded only to dedicated party activists who are active in their communities and maintain close contact with the public. Rao stated that internal conflicts and group politics would not be tolerated. He added that the state and central leadership would work closely together, and that factors such as surveys, public acceptance, and winnability would play a crucial role in candidate selection.Rao also advised party workers that the central party is closely monitoring the elections and urged them to ensure that booth committees are properly formed and strengthened in every ward. Taking a firm political stance, he asserted that the BRS is not a priority for the people today. He claimed that many BRS leaders are keen to join the BJP and that hundreds are already in contact with the party. Rao expressed confidence that the BJP will secure victories in all three proposed municipal corporations in the GHMC region and will emerge as the leading political force in Telangana.