When BJP chief Amit Shah visited Hyderabad recently, the Telangana leaders sought clarity from him on whether the saffron party had a tacit understanding with KCR.

“We are highly confused! Do we (BJP) have a pact with TRS? If that is the case, how can we fight them in the polls?, especially if we do not respond to the criticism of KCR?” asked the leaders of Amit Shah.

To this, Amit Shah reportedly replied, “Why are you worried about all that? You go and strengthen the Party. Win 10 constituencies at least and forget about KCR after that. We’ll take care of him.”

This statement by Shah vindicates two things: One that the BJP is not really expecting any serious dividends in the 2019 polls and has set itself a realistic target of 10 seats which although difficult is not impossible.

Second is the fact that KCR for all his vulgar speeches of bravado is not taken seriously by the BJP and the day that they seriously start to think about him, KCR will find himself in a heap of trouble.