Lack of focus on regional issues cost BJP both the Telugu states

As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections drew to a close, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faced significant challenges in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the two Telugu states of South India. Few could have predicted that the formidable BJP, which had confidently aimed for over 400 seats, would need to seek help from Andhra Pradesh to form a coalition government at the Centre.

Farmers’ long-standing issues, particularly water scarcity and irrigation problems, were central to BJP’s tepid performance in the Telugu states. 

Agriculture is the lifeblood of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh — together known as the rice bowl of India. A vast majority of the population in these states depends on farming, making them particularly sensitive to issues related to water for irrigation. 

BJP’s inability to effectively address these concerns has been a significant factor influencing its electoral prospects in 2024. In Telangana, the party’s efforts to win over the electorate have been overshadowed by the dominance of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), formerly known as Telangana Rashtra Samithi and its focus on irrigation projects.

Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project major factor in Telangana

In Telangana, the BRS government’s ambitious Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP), which aims to provide irrigation to the state’s dry areas, has become a cornerstone of its popularity. The ‘world’s largest’ lift irrigation project was backed by Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao and has brought significant benefits to farmers, boosting the BRS’s credibility and overshadowing BJP’s efforts to highlight its initiatives. 

While BJP has criticised BRS over corruption and inefficiencies, many farmers remain more convinced by the visible results of KLIP. In 2019, CMs of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra united in their support of this project and the last two monsoons have stood as a testament to its success.

Set to irrigate 1.8 million acres across 13 districts of Telangana, KLIP stabilises an additional 1.7 million acres in seven other districts. Water from Godavari river is lifted and channelled to meet 70 per cent of Telangana’s agriculture, domestic and industrial water needs. 

In fact, the project projection was to the tune of over 1,640,000 acres, but now the built-in capacity has increased to 1,825,700 acres, which is more than 20 per cent greater than the original plan.

But the BJP-led central government provided no support to the massive project in 2019.

KLIP also provides water to two major cities: Hyderabad and Secunderabad, as well as many small towns and villages. Two additional barrages at Annaram and Sundilla villages divert 180 million cubic feet of water deep into the state’s major farming areas.

The saffron party has struggled to present a compelling alternative to the BRS’ irrigation success. Promises of new projects or improvements have not resonated as strongly, owing to its emphasis on larger, national issues that appear disconnected from the immediate needs of Telangana’s rural population.

Role of water disputes and farmer unrest in Andhra Pradesh

In Andhra Pradesh, unresolved water disputes and delays in crucial irrigation projects have fuelled farmer discontent, impacting BJP’s electoral appeal. 

The Polavaram project, envisioned as a transformative irrigation and water supply solution, has been mired in delays and controversies. Farmers, who once saw it as a beacon of hope, have grown increasingly frustrated with the slow progress. BJP, despite its central role in funding and policy support, has been unable to expedite the project, leading to a sense of betrayal among the electorate.

The contentious water disputes between Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka continue to affect irrigation and water supply. BJP’s failure to mediate and resolve these disputes effectively has left farmers struggling with inconsistent water access. This inability to secure reliable water resources undermines the party’s credibility among the rural electorate.

The dominance of regional parties — BRS in Telangana and Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party in Andhra Pradesh — pose a formidable challenge to BJP. These parties have deep-rooted connections and a nuanced understanding of local issues. 

Their focus on addressing regional concerns, particularly in agriculture, has resonated more effectively than BJP’s broader national narrative.

There is a strong perception among voters that BJP’s central leadership does not fully prioritise or understand the specific needs of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. This sentiment is particularly strong among farmers, who believe that the party’s leadership is not adequately addressing their concerns, such as water scarcity and irrigation challenges and is more focused on urban and industrial agendas.

The saffron party’s electoral strategy, which emphasised nationalism and economic growth, has not struck a chord with the rural populace’s immediate concerns in these states. The party’s promises to improve infrastructure and bring development have been overshadowed by the pressing issues of water and agricultural distress that dominate local concerns.

BJP has failed to deepen its engagement with regional issues and build stronger connections with the local populace, especially regarding the concerns of farmers and rural communities. This involved aligning more closely with local leaders who understand the ground realities and can effectively communicate the party’s plans to the rural electorate.