Hyderabad: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is facing ongoing challenges after significant defeats in the 2023 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The party is now preparing for upcoming local body elections expected next month, but issues like legal cases and investigations are causing concern.
BRS, having suffered setbacks, aims to regain influence in Telangana through these local elections. Party leaders emphasize their focus on local polls over council elections, which they did not contest, such as the graduates and teachers’ polls.
Two senior government ministers hinted at imminent elections, raising concerns among the opposition. Leaders like K Chandrashekar Rao and Harish Rao are under investigation by the Kaleshwaram Commission, while BRS working president KT Rama Rao has appeared before the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) twice. The Kaleshwaram Commission’s report, due by the end of July, remains uncertain.
Despite these challenges, BRS has not yet started its membership drive or formed committees. Typically, this begins after the April plenary, but focus shifted to legal preparations. A senior leader mentioned the membership drive was delayed from June due to inquiries. However, they remain confident that leaders will mobilize once the elections begin.
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy and Panchayat Raj Minister Seethakka indicated that local body elections might occur next month. Yet, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president B Mahesh Kumar Goud criticized them for discussing the election timeline. Recent events, such as the release of Rythu Bharosa for the Kharif season, suggest elections are approaching.
Party leaders worry about the impact of internal issues, particularly involving BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha. She has openly challenged her brother and working president KTR, suggesting she may seek her own path if not properly recognized. This internal tension could create public doubts about the party’s stability. The upcoming local elections are seen as a critical test for BRS.
