Telugu diaspora takes the plunge in Telangana polls, expats from 32 countries to hit campaign trail

HYDERABAD: It was a trickle in 2014, when polls were held before the birth of Telangana. In 2018, it's a flood. The Telugu diaspora has taken the big plunge in the key Assembly polls - less than five years after statehood - and also in the run-up to the mother of all elections in 2019.
Ideologies may vary, but NRIs are taking a stand and coming out of their cushy American homes to be part of the heat and dust of campaigning.
Congress leader Uttam Kumar Reddy (in centre) in Dubai two days ago with Gulf workers.
Politically active Telugu biddas are airing their views on social media, publicising activities of their party and demolishing rival claims. "NRIs did get involved in 2014 polls, but it's nothing compared to the excitement this time. It's all about quick thinking and swift reaction to political developments," said Mahesh Bigala, TRS NRI coordinator.
IT minister K T Rama Rao last month received Gulf workers who were helped to return to the state during UAE amnesty.
Bigala who lives in the US, has landed in Hyderabad and will be hitting the ground for the December 7 elections. Another group of NRIs are expected to land soon. "We will campaign for candidates in all 119 assembly constituencies," he told TOI. Some 20-30 of them will touchdown soon and get down to serious business, he said.
An NRI in UK washed dishes to protest the remark of TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy against KTR that he used to wash dishes in US before coming to enjoy power in Telangana.
From NRIs of a few countries in 2014, the number has swelled this time with expats from 32 nations getting involved in Telangana elections. Bigala expects that by the time Lok Sabha polls are held in April-May 2019, NRIs from at least 60 nations will take the plunge.
But support is not only for TRS. Congress supporters too are equally zestful. Nikhil Reddy Gudur, who lives in the US, believes in allowing voters talk through anti-TRS videos. The 'hostile welcome' that TRS candidates are getting when they tour constituencies is being widely publicised to showcase the harsh reality on the ground. Sandeep Vangala, another NRI Congress supporter, takes to social media to call KCR's 'bluff on promises'.
A serious fight it may be between Congress and TRS supporters, but not always. There was a dash of humour when TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy made remarks about IT minister K T Rama Rao. The Congress leader remarked that while KTR was in the US, he would wash dishes. That remark did not go down well with TRS supporters globally. They swung into action and flooded social media with videos of them and their families washing dishes at home. The message - Do not insult us if we do our own household chore.
NRIs vying for seats in Uttam’s backyard
NRI supporters often insist on expressing allegiance to a particular party and its philosophy. But is that all really? TRS has at least three NRIs who are wanting to contest. Two of them are vying for a ticket against Uttam Kumar Reddy from Huzurnagar and another is seeking the Kodad ticket from where Uttam Kumar Reddy’s wife Padmavathi is sitting legislator. Sudheer Jalagam, a US techie, quit his job and returned to the state two years ago to take up public issues and stake claim to a party ticket.
Interestingly, NRIs who are not after political positions do have plans for themselves post-poll. Some TRS NRIs are also planning to invest in the state. While more plans may materialise later, as of now, it’s the dust of the hustings are the biggest draw.