KCR’s Lucky Number Decides Early Polls In Telangana

Hyderabad: In all possibility, the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is all set to dissolve the Telangana Legislative Assembly very soon. The party ranks are believed to be working with renewed energy following the success of its massive public meeting 'Pragati Nivedana Sabha,' held at Kongarakalan in the city outskirts on September 2. TRS's top leadership, it is learnt, has decided to dissolve the Assembly very soon and set the tone for advancement of conducting Assembly elections at least 4-6 months ahead of the general elections, which are scheduled to be held in May 2019, after the meeting attracted lakhs of people and TRS supporters from all corners of Telangana.

Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR), in his 49-minute speech at the meeting did not disclose the actual date of elections while hinting at the possibilty of early polls in the State.

Earlier on Sunday, the Telangana CM convened a cabinet meeting a few hours before Pragathi Nivedana Sabha, to resolve and discuss the government's plan of action on certain pending issues. The cabinet approved pay revision to the employees of certain departments, allotment of Rs 70 crore and 70 acres of land for construction of buildings for housing the associations of various social communities (castes and sub-castes). However, a senior minister hinted at another cabinet meet very soon, to resolve other important issues like PRC to government employees.

"The party committees, MLAs and MPs bestowed upon me the right to take a decision over going for early polls. In this regard, some major political decisions would be taken in the coming few days," KCR said in in his speech at Pragati Nivedana Sabha, which was majorly intended to explain the success of several government schemes.

Meanwhile, a senior minister said on condition of anonymity that the cabinet will meet again on September 6, and place a resolution for dissolving the Assembly. "It is almost confirmed that the State will go for early polls. Drastic changes in the political scenario will be seen next week," he added. Also, party insiders also confirmed the news that the cabinet will meet on September 6, and that the date had been decided since "six" is KCR's lucky number. The council of ministers will meet the Governor to hand over the resolution on dissolving the State Assembly, it is learnt.

Sunday's cabinet meet was convened amid speculation over the government's decision to dissolve the Assembly, yet, taking in view certain administrative measures, the meeting was confined to a duration of just 15 minutes, as opposed to a comprehensive meeting to approve key decisions like job notifications and pay revision to all government employees, before passing a resolution on dissolving the Assembly. However, the cabinet is expected to address these issues on September 6.

On the other side, Chief Secretary SK Joshi issued a circular to the Principal Secretaries, Secretaries and Joint Secretaries of all departments, calling for proposals under the purview of their respective departments within 3 pm on Tuesday, citing that another cabinet meet would be held soon.

Also Read: TRS Pragati Nivedana Sabha, A Perfect Outset For Early Polls?