Gajwel harbours enormous support for KCR but wants issues addressed diligently

Hyderabad: The electorate of Gajwel, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao’s stronghold, harbours mixed feelings about Rao’s alleged lack of touch with voters at the ground level to address multiple issues, heading into the November 30 elections.

While some expressed concern over unresolved issues facing oustees of Mallannasagar and Kondapochamma projects, assignment land disputes, Dharani portal flaws and poor roads in the region, others were cautiously optimistic over Rao’s ability to navigate the challenges to bring about a positive change to the constituency.

The diverse reactions underscore the complexity of the political landscape in shaping the narrative surrounding Chandrashekar Rao's bid for re-election.

Sai Kumar, a BRS worker from Jagadevpur, believes that Rao will win due to the smooth implementation of welfare schemes and the promise of the ‘KCR Bima’ scheme, which will provide life insurance of Rs 5 lakh to BPL families with white ration cards. “Because it is a new scheme, I believe party leaders should focus on it to help people understand,” he said.

He said that while the dominant Mudiraj community may opt to vote for Rao’s former aide Etala Rajendar, only die-hard supporters would choose the Congress.

Kamalamma, a voter from Vemulagattu in Thogutta mandal, who gave up her land for the Mallannasagar project, said that the government compensated her for the three-acre land.  

She expressed happiness, saying, “I received a handsome sum for the land, and I settled my two sons with that money. Now, my husband and I are living here (in a 2BHK) in Mulugu.”

A few oustees of the Mallannasagar project, however, were discontented with Rao’s handling of the issue. Many have been living in undistributed houses at Mulugu mandal headquarters.

Swamy, a labourer from Gajwel mandal, complained that Chandrashekar Rao developed Gajwel to a lesser extent, compared to Siddipet and Sircilla.  

“T. Harish Rao and K.T. Rama Rao are actively addressing the needs of their constituencies and staying connected with their people at all times. However, in Gajwel, we don't have such a scenario. There's no avenue to communicate our issues to the local MLA. After winning the election, at the very least, the Chief Minister should visit Gajwel to personally understand our problems and challenges,” he said.

Among the positives shared by the voters were the seamless reach of welfare schemes to the intended beneficiaries and the overall development of Gajwel, compared to previous regimes before the formation of the Telangana state.

K. Satyanarayana, a Telanganite of Andhra origin, who has been living in Gajwel for 10 years, said that Gajwel saw remarkable progress and predicted a landslide win for Rao from the constituency.

Yadaiah, a farmer from Mulugu mandal, highlighting challenges they are facing, including issues related to land registration and poor road conditions, said: “Due to these problems, my one-acre land could not be registered. I approached local leaders multiple times, but they turned a deaf ear to my concerns. These local leaders are becoming obstacles for villagers because our problems are not reaching Chandrashekar Rao.”

Most voters, however, said that the communication channels may have been narrowed due to Rao’s local delegates not working to take up relevant issues with the Chief Minister. They said that Rao heavily depends on these subordinate leaders, who provide inaccurate information disregarding basic and local concerns within the mandal.

Janagama Satyanarana Goud, a voter from Burugupalli village in Gajwel mandal, said that Rao spearheaded significant developmental initiatives, including the establishment of government hospitals, an integrated market complex and improved roads. He said that the realisation of the long-awaited railway line in Gajwel was made possible through the efforts of the Chief Minister and Venteru Pratap Reddy.

“Even if KCR decides to represent Kamareddy after winning in two seats, we would be pleased because Prathap Reddy is committed to the continued development of the constituency,” he said.