In a shift from their collaboration in the recent state assembly elections, the Congress and CPI find themselves standing independently in the Singareni ‘Gurtimpu’ association elections. This divergence has sparked discussions about which party stands to benefit by going solo. Despite supporting Congress in the assembly elections, CPI and Congress-backed candidates secured victories in various Singareni constituencies, underscoring the complexity of their evolving relationship.
While these two parties campaigned together until the assembly elections, the scenario changed for the Singareni elections where their affiliated trade unions are contesting separately. The focus now turns to the intense campaign in the coal belt to gauge which union will garner support from representatives of the respective political parties.
The withdrawal of INTUC from the polls, following Congress and CPI’s decision to challenge the TBGKS-affiliated Telangana Coal Mine Workers Union, further adds to the dynamic political landscape. AITUC and INTUC, aligned with CPI and Congress, respectively, are now competing for support in the upcoming Singareni recognition battle.
Examining the historical context, the record of recognition committee elections in Singareni from 1998 to 2017 reveals a pattern where AITUC secured victories three times (1998, 2001, 2007), and INTUC claimed success once in 2003. The upcoming recognition battle on the 27th of this month promises heightened competition as AITUC and INTUC intensify their campaigns, engaging with workers through gate meetings.
It’s worth noting the intricate dynamics at play, as the INTUC supported AITUC in the last elections, adding an interesting layer to the evolving political strategies in Singareni.