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The arrest of Telugu actor Allu Arjun following a stampede at a movie theater screening of his film "Pushpa 2" has unexpectedly injected new life into the beleaguered Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party in Telangana. The incident, which tragically resulted in a woman's death and serious injury to her child, quickly escalated into a political firestorm. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and his ministers repeatedly questioned Arjun's responsibility, sparking accusations from both the BRS and the BJP that the Congress government was unfairly targeting the popular actor. This controversy has proven to be a strategic boon for the BRS, which suffered significant losses in the recent Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. A senior BRS leader admitted that while the party doesn't seek political advantage from tragedy, the government's actions have inadvertently worked in their favor.
The timing of the controversy couldn't have been worse for the Congress government. Already facing criticism for various unpopular decisions, including demolitions undertaken by the HYDRAA agency (amidst allegations of favoritism), the Musi redevelopment project leading to widespread displacement, and the contentious Lagcherla farmers' land acquisition dispute, the Arjun affair added fuel to the fire. BRS insiders believe that these pre-existing issues, coupled with the perceived unfair targeting of Arjun, have solidified public discontent with the Congress government. They claim that Reddy's actions have alienated ordinary citizens and celebrities alike, potentially impacting future electoral results, particularly the upcoming local body polls.
The BRS, previously described as "down and out" following their Lok Sabha election defeat and the perceived inactivity of former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), has found renewed vigor in this controversy. The Arjun row has re-energized party members, leading to increased activity at the mandal and district levels. While specific strategies are still being developed, the renewed energy within the party is palpable. This shift in momentum contrasts sharply with the earlier uncertainty surrounding the BRS's political future. The incident, therefore, has served as a catalyst for renewed opposition activity, providing a focal point to consolidate public opposition to the Congress government.
Meanwhile, the controversy has also exposed internal divisions within the Congress. Controversial remarks made by some ministers and MLAs, questioning Arjun's national award and even threatening to ban his films in Telangana, have exacerbated the situation. These actions, far from projecting an image of measured response, have served to inflame the situation and paint the Congress government in an increasingly negative light. While sources close to the CM suggest that he intends to maintain his stance on the issue, claiming that it portrays him as pro-poor, sources within the Telangana Congress indicate that behind-the-scenes efforts are underway to resolve the conflict. These attempts include mediation efforts aimed at settling the matter, offering assistance to the injured child and his family, and potentially securing employment for the father in the film industry.
The BRS, however, dismisses the government's actions as an attempt to distract from more serious issues. They point to the significant cost of an hour-long Assembly discussion on the incident, contrasting it with the lack of readily available funds for the injured child's medical expenses. Furthermore, they criticize the government's perceived inaction on allegations against K T Rama Rao regarding Formula E fund disbursal, arguing that the Arjun affair is a mere diversionary tactic. The BRS leader, Dasoju Sravan, highlighted the hypocrisy of the government, noting the sub-judice nature of both the Arjun issue and the allegations against KTR, questioning the government's selective approach to pursuing investigations. The party maintains its stance as a responsible opposition, focusing on the need for policy changes to prevent future tragedies rather than utilizing the Arjun case for political maneuvering.
The controversy extends beyond the boundaries of Telangana. The alleged targeting of Allu Arjun has been linked to his perceived closeness to Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, the YSR Congress Party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister. This adds a further layer of complexity to the already intricate political situation, suggesting that the ramifications of the Arjun affair could extend beyond Telangana's borders and influence the dynamics of regional politics. The incident underscores the volatile nature of the political landscape in Telangana and the unpredictable ways in which seemingly isolated events can have far-reaching political consequences.
Source: How Revanth, Allu Arjun row has given a new lease of life to ‘down and out’ BRS