Looking at the results of the 2018 Telangana Assembly elections, one cannot help but feel sorry for Uttam Kumar Reddy.The Congress led by Uttam managed to win only 19 seats out of 119 whereas the TRS emerged victorious in 88 constituencies.As for the BJP, it won a single seat thanks to Raja Singh whereas the TDP secured two constituencies.
Naturally, there is a loud clamour within the Congress for Uttam Kumar’s blood after this crushing defeat.Coming to the reasons for the Mahakutami’s defeat, many Congressmen opine that the alliance with the TDP ruined the Congress Party’s prospects.“Had the Congress contested the polls alone, we would have fared a lot better. People voted for KCR again only because they believed his threat of Andhras ruling from Amaravati if Mahakutami wins the election and this affected our Party,” they say.
So, is it a case of Uttam Kumar Reddy being in the right position at the wrong time?What ails the Congress in a region where people do not take it seriously even though it gave Telangana?It is now time for the Lok Sabha elections and this is the perfect opportunity for the Congress to find out if it has any real support among the people.
If as they say, the alliance with the TDP ruined the Congress’ prospects in the Assembly elections, then the Congress should contest the Lok Sabha polls on its own. This should earn the trust of its cadre and supporters.But even after going it alone, if the Congress does not put up a decent performance in the Lok Sabha polls, then it has major issues that need to be addressed.
It’s a final opportunity for Uttam Kumar to rake in some numbers.