Sircilla, known as the wealth hub of Telangana, is gearing up for a crucial electoral battle as all eyes are on this key Assembly constituency. Amidst its troubled history as the “epicentre of weavers’ suicides,” Sircilla has managed to transform itself into a major textile hub over the years. The incumbent ruling party, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), led by K.T. Rama Rao, is seeking a fifth consecutive victory in this Communist party bastion turned BRS citadel. However, they face tough competition from Congress candidate K.K. Mahander Reddy and BJP nominee G. Rani Rudrama Reddy.
The Rise and Renewal of Sircilla:
Sircilla’s journey from a crisis-hit power loom sector to a bustling textile hub has been remarkable. It shed its negative image after the formation of Telangana in 2014 and now boasts of over 30,352 power looms. The ruling BRS party attributes this success to their initiatives, including expanding irrigation cover, promoting the apparel industry, and placing bulk orders for Bathukamma sarees worth over ₹350 crore from the state government each year.
Key Players and Their Strategies:
K.T. Rama Rao, the son of the incumbent Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, hopes to secure another victory by emphasizing his party’s achievements and promising sustainable income for weavers. The Congress candidate, K.K. Mahander Reddy, is relying on “anti-incumbency” and the Congress party’s six guarantees. Meanwhile, BJP nominee G. Rani Rudrama Reddy is focusing on the party’s slogan of “double-engine government” and promoting women’s empowerment as well as the development of the Sircilla power loom cluster.
Challenges Faced and Promises Made:
The weavers, power loom workers, Gulf migrant workers, and Gulf returnees form a significant portion of the electorate. Issues related to their welfare, including job opportunities, supporting Gulf migrants, and preserving the traditional handloom sector, are gaining attention in the electoral race. Independent candidate Donikeni Krishna advocates for a comprehensive NRI policy and the establishment of a Welfare Board for Gulf workers. Weavers in Sircilla are calling for greater government support to preserve weaving traditions and empower them politically.
Conclusion:
The electoral fortunes in the Sircilla constituency will hinge upon the concerns faced by weavers, workers, and Gulf migrants. The ruling BRS party’s campaign revolves around their developmental claims, while the opposition parties raise questions regarding “reverse migration.” As the battle for Sircilla intensifies, the electorate eagerly awaits the poll outcome on November 30, which will determine the future trajectory of this thriving textile hub.
