Union Minister Kishan Reddy called the Jubilee Hills by-election "a small election," sparking a new round of political debate in Telangana.
His comment surprised many as both Congress and BRS are treating the contest as a matter of prestige.
Political analysts say such remarks from a senior BJP leader can lower the morale of the party's local cadre. Rumours are already circulating about a possible behind-the-scenes understanding between BJP and BRS, and Reddy's words seem to add weight to those claims.
BJP has fielded Lankala Deepak Reddy, who faces a triangular contest with Congress and BRS. AIMIM has extended its support to Congress to curb BJP's growing influence in the state, while BJP is reportedly backing BRS in an indirect alliance.
Kishan Reddy appeared casual when speaking about the election, saying that the people will decide the outcome. His tone suggested that BJP's focus lies elsewhere, particularly in larger electoral battles.
With BJP's top leadership concentrating on the Bihar elections, Kishan Reddy's comment has made the party's limited interest in the Jubilee Hills bypoll quite clear.