The posters with the QR code ask the people to scan it to know the "greatness" of the ruling party. Once scanned, a PDF file is downloaded.
Published Jun 14, 2023 | 7:28 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 14, 2023 | 7:28 AM
PayCM posters splashed across Central Bengaluru. Similar posters have come up in Telangana, targeting the BRS. (South First)
Taking a cue from the “PayCM” QR code poster war — which used a near replica of the Paytm logo — launched against former Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai before the Karnataka Assembly elections, unidentified persons made similar posters against the ruling BRS government in the state.
These posters were affixed on walls of several villages in Undavalli mandal in Jogulamba Gadwal district even as the BRS government is celebrating the 10th Telangana Formation Day since 2 June.
The posters with the QR code ask the people to scan it to know the “greatness” of the ruling party. Once the code is scanned, a PDF file containing details pertaining to the failures of the BRS government is pulled up.
Once the PDF is downloaded, information related to the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) exam question paper leak case, Delhi liquor scam, alleged irregularities in Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS), and farmers’ suicides can be seen on the file.
The PDF file also underlines the importance of changing the present situation in the state.
Neither the Congress — which created and ran the PayCM campaign in Karnataka — nor the BJP, which bore the brunt of the innovative idea, are taking credit for the current anti-BRS campaign, and it is not clear who is behind the posters.
In the run-up to the year-end Assembly elections in Telangana, Opposition parties seem to be leaving no stone unturned in highlighting the failures of the state government. The Opposition parties have already established separate war rooms to fine tune the strategies to be adopted for the elections.
Separate WhatsApp groups have been created to ensure proper coordination among the poll managers to oversee the campaign drive from the polling booth level. The election result in Karnataka prompted the Opposition parties and the ruling BRS party to revise election strategies.
Both the BJP and Congress are wooing leaders from other parties to join them and contest elections on their respective party symbols.
However, most leaders have decided to adopt a wait-and-watch policy for a few more weeks before taking a final decision.
