Leadership Crisis Rocks Telangana: BRS, BJP Struggle for Stability
After eleven years of being formed as a separate state, Telangana is witnessing political uncertainty for the first time. In the current situation, the BJP does not have a chance to win and come to power on its own in the state. For whatever reasons, the BJP high command is unable to take a decision on the selection of the Telangana state president. Many key leaders in the state BJP have colluded with the BRS—this is indeed true, according to senior BJP leader and MLA Raja Singh, who made some explosive statements. Until recently, BRS was the main opposition to the then-ruling Congress in Telangana, but now the BRS seems to be fading away. BRS chief and former Chief Minister KCR's daughter, MLC Kavitha, has raised a banner of revolt and is openly declaring that she will not accept KTR's leadership.
It is difficult to immediately assess how much impact Kavitha will have on Telangana politics, but her rebellion signals that the foundations of the once-strong BRS are now cracking. On the other hand, this is a politically uncomfortable and humiliating situation for BRS Working President and former Minister KTR. If even his own sister refuses to accept his leadership, others may well question why they should—leaving KTR with no real answer. Given Kavitha's aggressive stance, there is a fear among BRS leaders that if she is not considered by the party high command, she might expose more secrets from within the party in the days to come. If that happens, it is natural that BRS will suffer further political damage, as being discussed among the party’s own leaders. Along with inaugurating a new Jagruthi office, Kavitha also made clear statements about whom she is fighting against. She now desires a share in KCR’s leadership legacy—not necessarily full control, but a rightful portion. She has sent strong signals that if this doesn’t happen, things will continue this way. Now it is up to KCR and KTR to settle the matter.
Meanwhile, during the Telangana Formation Day celebrations, KTR—who is being promoted as the future leader of BRS—going on a foreign tour with some leaders in the name of party programs has not gone down well with many in the party. There is concern that this sends a wrong signal to the public. It is already known that Kavitha made a scathing remark that politics is not just about tweeting, criticizing KTR in a tone similar to that of leaders from other parties. With key parties like BRS and BJP facing such situations in Telangana, the ruling Congress too is not in a completely relaxed state. There is a growing public perception that the image and graph of the Revanth Reddy government is declining day by day. However, since more than three years are left for the next Assembly elections, one must wait and see what key developments unfold in the meantime. As for whether Congress is in a position to cash in on the uncertainty in BRS and BJP—the general understanding is that the party lacks a unified plan or strategy, and functions more on individual interests. Nonetheless, the latest developments can be considered somewhat of a relief for the Congress.
