While Congress leader Rahul Gandhi aims to spread the message of unity and love through his Bharat Jodo Yatra, his latest comments made clear he had no intention of either being united or extending love for TRS and KCR.
Rahul Gandhi took a jibe at Telangana CM KCR while ruling out any possibility of alliance with his party Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS).
Addressing the media in Kothur, during the Telangana leg of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, he said: “There is absolutely no question of any relationship between TRS and Congress”.
If one were to read between the lines, the Congress leader seems to be worried about the national ambition of another fellow dynast, albeit from down South.
It is pertinent to note that Telangana CM KCR, coveting a national role ahead of the 2024 election, founded the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), a new national version of his party on the eve of Vijayadashami.
“If the Telangana CM believes he is running a national party, he’s welcome to think that. If he thinks he is running an international party, he’s also welcome to imagine that”, he said mockingly.
The move by Rahul Gandhi also puts the Mahagathbandhan in jeopardy, as major opposition parties fail to come together to put up a combined force against the formidable run of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the 2024 elections.
On the question of his ally CM Nitish Kumar sharing stage with KCR in Bihar, Rahul said, “If Nitish Kumar wants to speak with TRS, it is his concern and desire. He’s welcome to do it.”
The impossibility of a firm ‘Grand Alliance’’ became apparent when Rahul Gandhi came down heavily on Telangana CM KCR. Launching a scathing attack, he said, “In Telangana, we are very clear. We cannot stand the corruption, approach and attitude of the TRS. TRS is looting the people of Telangana. It is snatching land away from the dalits and tribals.”
Adding he said, “It is destroying the education system. It is privatising the education system. We are diametrically opposite to what they’re doing.”
These explosive statements by Rahul Gandhi are deemed to echo in the upcoming Telangana Assembly polls next year. In a quadrangular contest between TRS, Congress, TDP and BJP, it will become difficult for the ruling TRS to protect their vote share from emerging entrants.