BJP State president N. Ramchander Rao on Sunday described the massive turnout at the party’s public meeting at the Parade Grounds in Secunderabad as a clear indication of a political shift in Telangana, asserting that the enthusiasm among party workers and supporters reflected growing public support for the BJP.

Addressing the gathering attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Rao said the crowds gathered outside the venue were nearly double those accommodated inside, which he said demonstrated the Prime Minister’s popularity in the State and claimed the response signalled that the BJP would form the next government in Telangana.

Mr. Rao thanked people for what he termed an extraordinary reception to Mr. Modi on his first visit to Telangana after assuming office for a third consecutive term as Prime Minister. Referring to September 17, observed by the BJP as Hyderabad Liberation Day, he noted that the date also coincided with Mr. Modi’s birthday and highlighted what he described as the Prime Minister’s emotional bond with Telangana. He also welcomed the dedication of development projects worth ₹9,700 crore to the State and the nation.

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy accused both the previous BRS government led by K. Chandrasekhar Rao and the present Congress government of promoting family-based and corrupt politics. He alleged that the Congress government had failed to implement its six guarantees and 420 promises and was misusing State finances.

Highlighting the Centre’s contribution to infrastructure development in Telangana, Mr. Reddy said the Union government had allocated ₹1.85 lakh crore for national highways in the State. He also referred to the introduction of five Vande Bharat trains, six Amrit Bharat Express services, modernisation of 42 railway stations and proposed bullet train projects linked to Telangana. Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar and other senior leaders spoke at the meeting.

The meeting drew a massive turnout of BJP leaders, party workers and supporters from arriving not only from the city but also from remote villages across the State.

Since morning, the Parade Grounds and surrounding areas were filled with saffron flags, BJP banners and giant cutouts of the Prime Minister. Many supporters were also seen carrying small cutouts of Modi and raising slogans in support of the party. BJP leaders described the gathering as a major show of strength ahead of the upcoming civic body elections in the State. Large number of people have also chosen the metro to reach the venue. Senior BJP leaders and party functionaries from different districts participated in the programme.