KCR's FAMILY FEUD COMES OUT IN THE OPEN WITH A BANG; KAVITHA'S `DAMNING LETTER' CREATES FLUTTER

 

 Siasat.com/Opinions/

KCR’s family feud comes out in the open with a

bang; Kavitha’s ‘damning letter’ creates flutter 

 C R Gowri Shanker   Updated: 23rd May 2025 9:41 pm ISTFollow on Twitter

| 

Hyderabad: BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha’s “letter bomb” to father and BRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao has created a storm in political circles, especially Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).

avitha’s letter to “Daddy” dear and its leak into public domain clearly indicates that daughter has decided to take on BRS patriarch and the man who achieved Telangana State after a bitter struggle. She is going Y S Sharmila way. Rumours are also agog that Kavitha may float another party, with the backing of Congress.

Kavitha stumps KCR

Daughter Kavitha has access to father staying in Erravalli farmhouse and she has said so earlier asking party leaders and workers to approach her if they needed to meet him. Instead of calling on father and airing her grievance regarding power sharing in the party, she chooses to fix KCR through the damning letter. If it would have been any other party leader she would have been expelled by now for pinpointing KCR shortcomings in Warangal speech.

BRS had last expelled its founding member Etala Rajender from the cabinet for various omissions and commissions, especially allegations of land grabbing against him. Rajender later joined the BJP.

‘KTR our boss after KCR’

“We don’t know what is brewing in the family though we are quite seniors. But it’s clear the letter has been deliberately leaked on the eve of her arrival from the US and aimed to embarrass, build pressure on KCR garu for some gain. KCR has given enough indications that next in line in hierarchy is K T Rama Rao. This is the thumb rule at all the party meetings, posters, banners etc.,” says a senior BRS leader.

He adds, “Ms. Kavitha’s letter has damaged the party image when the party is slowly regaining the lost ground due to Congress failures to implement its six guarantees and other shortcomings. KCR is supreme followed by KTR, Harish Rao and Kavitha. Kavitha being the daughter does have some support. T Harish Rao enjoys respect of all and is considered, go getter, trouble shooter etc. in the party.

Chief Minister T Revanth Reddy and other Congress leaders have long been hinting at trouble in KCR family but none expected Kavitha’s letter- bomb so soon.

After the infamous liquor scam in Delhi excise policy hit the nation and Kavitha was among several people arrested and spent nearly five months in Tihar Jail in New Delhi last year for allegedly exchanging bribes and laundering money, Kavitha was reportedly asked to maintain a low profile by party leadership since the party took a heavy beating. However, after a few months, she was back with a bang.

Who is behind Kavitha?

Says BJP MP M Raghunandan Rao, “There is a suspicion that Kavitha is becoming another Sharmila (YS) in Telangana. Is it a family problem, fight for political legacy or sharing of wealth? We don’t know. But why has it surfaced all of a sudden when Kavitha is in the US? The letter has created a stir in political circles and a hot topic of discussion among people. KCR gave enough hints at the BRS plenary that KTR will carry his political legacy. That could have hurt Kavitha and triggered the letter.”

He added, “Will she join Congress? Or whether CM has instigated Kavitha to write a letter? Or KTR rushing to Harish Rao’s house to send a message that both are together. Send a message to isolate Kavitha? Kavitha may have got a hint that she is being necked out. This is the public talk.”

Raghunandan said Kavitha talking about BJP in the letter (KCR did not strongly attack BJP) is also significant because BJP is gaining ground rapidly in Telangana and it will come to power in next elections.

CM seems to send a message that BRS and BJP are coming together and he could be using Kavitha as a pawn.

“My information is Kavitha may be instigated to form a party before polls, she may join Congress or have alliance. Going by this, one wonders if Congress or Revanth Reddy is behind Kavitha. We thank Kavitha for endorsing that BJP is becoming stronger in Telangana,” he remarked.

Like ruptures in family-ruled political parties and governments in the country, BRS too is caught in power struggle among family members. Against this backdrop, the BRS is bound to suffer a big loss.

Amidst speculations of Kavitha’s intention in leaking the purported letter, there are some BRS leaders who say that it’s nothing but a “storm in the tea cup” and what Kavitha had raised would benefit the party than damage it. Its a multiple strategy.

Infact, one leader went to the extent of saying that the letter was more to do to build up her sagging image after the liquor scam and that of the party after defeat of BRS in the Assembly elections and big loss in Lok Sabha polls.

No where did she question the leadership that she was ignored or she is not getting her due in the party. She raised public issues.

“Kavitha garu has raised some pertinent issues and posted it to her father and BRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao garu. She sought Samajika Telangana (social equality), asked dad why he was silent on Wakf issue, why he did not talk about 42 per cent reservations for BCs….SC sub classification, why he did not attack BJP but spoke about the party for just two minutes. If you sum up issues raised by Kavitha garu, it’s clear she was trying to build the image of the party and rectify short comings,” another BRS leader explained.

Kavitha will be landing tonight and media has rushed to Hyderabad Airport. It could be anything–image building, internal squabbles for power or property etc. Soon it will come out!  

Kavitha returns, admits writing letter—Family, Party are united.

Kalvakuntla Kavitha, who returned from United States after attending sons’ graduation ceremony, admitted she has written the letter to her father and the letter was nothing but feelings of party leaders and workers. She asserted “family, party are united.”

KCR is God, but some devils around him

“KCR garu is a God but there are devils around him. It’s a personal letter to him and I am surprised how it was leaked. If this is the situation of mine, one could imagine the plight of other party workers,” she lamented.

Indicating that the letter was not leaked from her side, she asserted “the letter was leaked by party insiders.”

Kavitha further said that she often wrote letters but this is the first time it has been leaked. It’s a serious matter and I am saddened by it. “Our leader is KCR. I don’t have any other thoughts (floating party).

C R Gowri Shanker

C R Gowri Shanker is a senior journalist based out of Hyderabad. he has served as a Political Editor for Deccan Chronicle. With great insights on the political landscape of the country.

                    Devanpalli Anil, Aarya, Kavitha and Aditya

MINISTERS TAKE MONEY TO CLEAR FILES, NOT ME CLAIMS KONDA SUREKHA; KICKS UP ROW

 Siasat.com/News/Telangana/

Ministers take money to clear files, not me, claims Konda Surekha; kicks up row

    Konda Surekha

 C R Gowri Shanker Follow on Twitter|   Published: 18th May 2025 3:53 pm IST

Hyderabad: An off-the-cuff remark by Telangana Minister for Environment and Forests Konda Surekha has kicked up a big political row in the State.

Surekha had said, “Usually, ministers take money to clear files, but not me. I ask companies to participate in community service.”

She was speaking at a function for a building to be built by a private firm at Government Girls Junior College in Krishna Colony, Warangal, under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Aurobindo Pharma Foundation had come forward to construct the building and other facilities.

Outspoken Surekha in a bid to explain her honesty said,” Whenever files come to Ministers from companies, they take money to clear the same. But I don’t take money. Instead, asked the company to construct the building.”

She added, “The girls’ college building was in dilapidated condition. This was brought to my notice by the District Collector. They did not know where to get Rs 4.5 crore. Since I was Forest Minister…some companies come to me for clearance of files. Normally, to clear such files ministers take money. I told them that they do not have to give me a single paisa. Please do social service. Please develop the school. You will be remembered for ever,” she said.

“Government planned a two-storied building with 15 rooms, auditorium, 60 modern toilets, and furniture for the benefit of students,” she added.

Comments kick up furore

Surekha’s comments kicked up a furore in political circles including her own Congress party and government. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy too was reportedly upset at the comment and cautioned Ministers to be careful while commenting.

KTR hails Surekha

BRS working president K T Rama Rao who is active on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), launched a scathing attack laced with sarcasm against Revanth Reddy Government.

“Heartfelt congratulations to Konda Surekha for revealing some truths.”

He alleged that the current Congress government in the state has turned into a “Commission Sarkar,” adding, “It is now an open secret that the Congress government in Telangana is functioning as a ‘Commission Sarkar.’

In this government, to get a file signed, “ministers and their associates are allegedly demanding a 30 percent commission.”

KTR said the situation was extremely unfortunate and recalled a past incident where certain contractors had staged a protest in the Secretariat demanding clearance of pending bills. He said the protest had brought to light the alleged involvement of ministers in commission scams within the government.

KTR asks Surekha to name ministers

The BRS Working President issued a public appeal to Minister Konda Surekha. “You must disclose the names and details of those ministers who are taking commissions.”

K T R also called upon senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to respond to the matter. “Will you order an inquiry into these serious allegations made by your cabinet minister?” he asked.

BJP seeks probe

Union Minister and Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy said CM Revanth should order a probe into the alleged bribery issue.

Surekha clarifies

Surekha later clarified on X that she was referring to ministers of the previous BRS government and accused BRS of distorting facts.

“BRS has deliberately distorted my statement. Our government is delivering governance transparently. Unable to stomach the good work, the BRS is conducting false campaigns on social media. I was talking about corruption in the BRS government,” she said.

In the past too, Surekha landed in soup when she had revealed certain facts about the high-profile divorce of actors Naga Chaitanya and Samantha. It had sparked outrage within the political arena and among members of the film fraternity, leading to a series of public condemnations from actors.

C R Gowri Shanker

C R Gowri Shanker is a senior journalist based out of Hyderabad. he has served as a Political Editor for Deccan Chronicle. With great insights on the political landscape of the country.

 

BITTER FIGHT BETWEEN KTR AND KAVITHA IS HURTHING BRS; HARISH RAO STANDS WITH KTR

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Bitter fight between KTR and Kavitha is hurting BRS; Harish Rao stands with KTR

                                                                        

 

C R Gowri Shanker Follow on Twitter|   Published: 18th May 2025 9:41 pm IST

 

Hyderabad: The Pink Party seems to be literally in Red.

Speculation is rife in political circles that all is not well in Telangana Rashtra Samithi turned Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) founded by former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, the man who got Telangana State after a bitter struggle.

KCR ruled Telangana State for two terms from 2014 with an iron hand and continues to hold sway over the party. But there seems to unease in the party, especially among family members.

Reason: The power struggle between BRS working president K T Rama Rao and sister, Telangana Jagruthi chief, MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha.

Though both maintain studied silence on the subject, political circles are agog with stories of strife within the family.

While father K Chandrasekhar Rao maintains a muted silence in Erravalli farmhouse, former Minister and the BRS literal backbone Thaneer Harish Rao came out in the open and extended support to K T Rama Rao and is willing to work under him if he is made party chief.

Harish support to KTR

“I have said this before and I am reiterating it. As a disciplined party worker, I will wholeheartedly welcome it if the party president entrusts KTR with leadership,” Harish Rao remarked.

He added, “I have remained loyal to the party and K Chandrasekhar Rao since its inception in 2001.”

This is not the first time Harish Rao avowed loyalty to KCR and supported the elevation of KTR in the party.

The statement triggered a fresh wave of speculation in political circles that something is brewing in the family and party.

Rumours are also agog that Harish Rao was sidelined in the preparation for party silver jubilee celebrations in Warangal.

Says Harish Rao,” Compared to the government, there was more satisfaction during the T movement, enjoying the role in the Opposition. It was a nightmare when we were in government…can’t guess the questions that could be hurled at us. We are going to the assembly well-prepared like school kids. We were accountable. We feared the CM, people and the opposition.”

This is reminiscent of Jagan, Sharmila feud

Some party leaders feel the problem is between KTR and Kavitha, the latter seeking more say in the party.

“There seems to be trouble in the family like neighboring Andhra Pradesh’s Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and his sister Y S Sharmila, who parted ways after a bitter open feud,” says another senior party leader.

Though there was a lot of speculation after Rama Rao called on T Harish Rao at his residence, later it was clarified that it was to inquire about the deteriorating health of Harish Rao’s father Satyanarayana Rao. But rumour mills continue to spin stories including KTR seeking his support.

KTR after KCR

While it’s a known fact that KCR anointed Rama Rao for the political legacy, Kavitha demands her pound of flesh and prominent role in the party saying she too had contributed for the Telangana movement and in the formation of TRS government. But Harish Rao remains in the backdrop and a backbone for the party.

In the recent public meeting on the occasion of silver jubilee of formation of TRS turned BRS in Warangal, KCR reportedly left the arrangements to local BRS leaders and put KTR, Harish Rao and Kavitha in loop. There is another talk that Harish Rao was ignored, which hurt the latter.

“Unlike in the past, KCR did not discuss or ask the family members to make arrangements for the silver jubilee meet. This was quite unusual given the past experience,” a senior BRS leader said.

Kavitha comments trigger speculation

But it was Kavitha’s comments of late that triggered speculation in the pink party. First, she alleged conspiracy against her within the party. Then she said, “Be brave. Those who are threatening you, their names will be written in the Pink Book and we won’t leave them. KCR Sir is a good person, but I am rowdy. We will not leave at any cost….

While Kavitha seeks a pivotal role and place in BRS, some party leaders feel that multi crore liquor scam in which she is an accused and jailed had caused massive damage to the party and in the elections.

“I told KCR not to come to Tihar jail to visit me. In many situations I cried. Jail is a terrible place. Six months in jail taught me that life is too short. Its harsh times and even our enemies shouldn’t face it,” she said in an interview after release.

Social justice row

More recently she triggered speculation that all is not well in the party for her too. She alleged that some forces were spreading canards against her. She said while Telangana achieved geographical statehood, the dream of a social Telangana remains unfulfilled. She also demanded the statue of Jyotirao Phule in the Assembly which was not done during TRS rule.

While Kavitha is caught in the liquor scam and is on bail, K T R too is facing a string of cases filed by Revanth Reddy government including the Formula E race case where the then government and his department allegedly paid Rs 45 crore through HMDA to a foreign company FEO in violation of RBI guidelines. There is also a phone tapping case against their government.

While KTR has been heir apparent after being named working president in 2018, Kavita is in no mood to give up and asserts her position. Sandwiched between the three is Harish Rao, KCR’s nephew and 7-time MLA from Siddipet, who remains the most popular leader in BRS connecting all sections of party leaders, workers, and people.

Harish Rao’s open support to KTR leaves Kavitha in a quandary.

KCR once told a TV channel that he can prop up a family member or any other leader to some extent, ultimately, he or she has to stand on his or her feet, build up reputation, and earn the goodwill of people.

BRS is facing problems like any other family-owned political enterprise in the country. All eyes are on the Pink Party and family.

     

  

  C R Gowri Shanker is a senior journalist based out of Hyderabad. He has served as a Political Editor for Deccan Chronicle. With great insights on the political landscape of the country.

12-DAY SARASWATHI PUSHKARALU BEGIN AT TRIVENI SANGAM IN TELANGANA

 

 Siasat.com/News/Telangana/12-day Saraswathi Pushkaralu begin at Triveni Sangam, in Telangana

12-day Saraswathi Pushkaralu begin at Triveni Sangam, in Telangana

                                                                         

                 

Bottom of Form

C R Gowri Shanker Follow on Twitter|   Published: 15th May 2025 7:45 pm IST

Bottom of Form

Hyderabad: After the mammoth Prayag Maha Kumbh Mela, Telangana State stage is set for a 12-day Saraswathi Pushkaralu at Triveni Sangam, Kaleshwaram in Jayashankar Bhupalapally District from Thursday.

Sri Kaleshwara Sri Mukteshwara Swamy temple has been decked up for the 12-day Pushkaralu, which is held once in 12 years. Saraswathi River converges with Godavari and Pranahita rivers at the confluence point “Triveni Sangamam” in Kaleshwaram, a town near Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, along with his family, will formally launch the Pushkaralu.

Earlier in the day, Saraswati Pushkaralu began with Ganapati Puja at Kaleshwaram Triveni Sangam. Pushkara Snanam (holy dip) was initiated at 5:44 am by Sri Sri Sri Madhavananda Saraswati.

IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu, his wife senior IAS officer Shailaja Ramaiyer, District Collector Rahul Sharma, Bhupalpally MLA Gandra Satyanarayana Rao, High Court Judge Surapalli Nanda and other participated.

Said Duddilla Sridhar Babu, “I warmly invite you and your families to take part in the sacred Saraswati Pushkaralu this May 15-26, a rare and divine event that comes once in 12 years. As we gather on the banks of holy river to offer prayers and take the ceremonial dip, we come together in the spirit of devotion, tradition and unity. This is a spiritual experience and also a celebration of our rich cultural heritage. I urge everyone to participate, seek blessings and help preserve the sanctity of this auspicious occasion.”

Telangana Government has spruced up the temple town for the occasion with a tent city, bathing ghats and other facilities with stand by fire, police and medicare personnel.

50,000 devotees expected daily

According to conservative estimates, about 50,000 devotees are expected to take the holy dip daily.

According to Vedic pundits, this year, the Pushkaralu is being held for the Saraswati River, coinciding with Jupiter’s entry into the Gemini zodiac sign.

Triveni Sangamam

Triveni Sangamam in Kaleshwaram, where the Godavari, Pranahita, and the underground Saraswati Rivers meet, is considered highly sacred. While Saraswati River isn’t visible on the surface, it is known as an “Antar Vahini” or hidden river.

It is believed that taking a dip in the Triveni Sangamam will cleanse sins and grant wisdom.

Kaleshwaram–Mukteshwaram

Kaleshwaram is also famous for the Mukteshwara Linga, where water offered mysteriously flows underground. This divine flow joins the Sangamam, giving the river another name — Gupta Kamini.

Vedic pundits say there are lots of spiritual benefits in having Pushkara bath. It is believed sins committed since birth, whether knowingly or unknowingly, will wash away, ensures merit, a great devotional act etc.

After the Pushkara bath at the Triveni Sangam in Kaleshwaram, devotees must offer prayers at Goddess Sri Maha Saraswati.

Homam facilities are being arranged during the 12-day Pushkaralu. Sri Sri Sri Madhavananda Saraswati Swami from Rangampet, Medak will lead Pushkaralu on May 15 and 16.

Kaleshwaram town is famous for two Shivalingas—Kaleswara and Mukteshwara Swamy—on one platform, in the country.

For the Pushkaralu, a new 10-foot Saraswati idol is being installed and authorities are put on display palm-leaf scriptures.

The State government expects large number of devotees from not only Telangana State, but also neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and others States.

A new mobile app called ‘Saraswati Pushkaralu–2025’ has been launched to guide devotees, show routes to Kaleshwaram, ghats, rituals, accommodation and other services. Special buses and trains are also being arranged.

  Siasat.com/C R Gowri Shanker

C R Gowri Shanker

C R Gowri Shanker is a senior journalist based out of Hyderabad. he has served as a Political Editor for Deccan Chronicle. With great insights on the political landscape of the country.

 Telangana State Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy taking a holi dip at Saraswathi Pushkaralu, Kaleshwaram

ALMOST EVERY CONG LEADER SEEKING A CABINET BERTH IN TS; CM REDDY IS IN A TIZZY

 Siasat.com/Featured News/Almost every Cong leader seeking a cabinet berth in TS; CM Reddy is in a tizzy

Almost every Cong leader seeking a cabinet berth in TS; CM Reddy is in a tizzy

                                                            

 C R Gowri Shanker Follow on Twitter|   

                   Published: 15th April 2025 4:45 pm IST 

Hyderabad: Frustrated senior Congress leaders eyeing cabinet berths are raising shrill voices in public.

Due to pulls and pressures from aspirants, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and the Congress High Command put the much-delayed cabinet expansion on hold.

After Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy who not only sought cabinet berth but also accused senior party colleague from Nalgonda K Jana Reddy of putting spokes, another senior Congress leader and Mancherial MLA K Premsagar Rao lamented at a public meeting on Monday that “new entrants” to the party were trying to deny a cabinet berth.

Premsagar Rao indirectly targeted Chennur MLA Gaddam Vivek Venkatswamy and his brother Bellampalli MLA Gaddam Vinod Kumar for trying to scuttle his chances, pleading, “Please don’t deny me a cabinet berth and do injustice to the combined Adilabad district. I stood by the party during trying times. Those who joined recently are talking about a cabinet berth. Please, don’t trouble me.”

Chance for six cabinet ministers

At present, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has 12 cabinet ministers, and six more can be inducted. There is a talk in Congress circles that the High Command has okayed the induction of four Ministers. There were rumours that it would take place on Ugadi day, then after the assembly session, but it remained a dream.

Congress High Command has also reportedly okayed the appointment of Deputy Speaker and Chief Whip in the Legislative Assembly.

Rajagopal targets Jana Reddy     

However, the first salvo was fired by Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy who questioned Senior party leader K Jana Reddy shooting off a letter to AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal requesting for cabinet berths to MLAs from combined Ranga Reddy and Hyderabad districts.

Rajagopal Reddy, speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of market committee members in Choutuppal on Sunday, alleged that deserving leaders are being sidelined.

Pointing an accusing finger at Kunduru Jana Reddy, he remarked sarcastically, “He (Jana Reddy) should be playing the role of Dharmaraja in Congress politics, but behaving like Dhritarashtra (blind king).”

                                                     

Komatireddy  Venkatreddy

Two brothers eye berths

When asked whether two ministers could come from the same family, Rajagopal shot back. “When brothers Yusuf and Irfan Pathan played together for India, why should it be a problem if two family members hold ministerial posts in a State? Congress assured me a ministerial berth if Chamakura Kiran Kumar Reddy was elected MP from Bhongir.”

He added, “For me, a ministerial post is not a crown but a responsibility. It is painful to keep asking for a post. I joined Congress to defeat KCR, which I did. I carry myself with dignity. I don’t beg for positions. I deserve it.”

There is a long list of aspirants for cabinet berths from various districts, castes, and communities.

MLCs in the race

Party sources say that the names of Amer Ali Khan and Vijayashanti are doing the rounds.

With the party playing 42 percent BC card and backing categorisation of SCs, there is a demand from these sections too, besides the politically strong Reddy community.

Prominent BC MLAs Vakiti Srihari, from the Mudiraj community, and Aadi Srinivas of the Munnuru Kapu community are among the aspirants, as there is currently no representation in the Cabinet from the two dominant BC communities.

MLAs from the SC (Madiga) community have written to AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan, seeking priority for them in the cabinet expansion over the Malas, arguing that they represent a population of 60 lakh in the State.

Besides, Malreddy Ranga Reddy (Ibrahimpatnam), Tammannagari Rammohan Reddy (Parigi), Bodhan MLA P Sudharshan Reddy are in the queue.

 C R Gowri Shanker

C R Gowri Shanker is a senior journalist based out of Hyderabad. he has served as a Political Editor for Deccan Chronicle. With great insights on the political landscape of the country.

 

DISTURBED OVER RAJA SINGH'S REPEATED ATTACS, STATE BJP HAS TAKEN UP THE ISSUE WITH THE CENTRAL LEADERSHIP

 

 Siasat.com/Featured News/Disturbed over Raja Singh’s repeated attacks, State BJP has taken up the issue with the Central leadership

Disturbed over Raja Singh’s repeated attacks, State BJP has taken up the issue with the Central leadership

                                                                        

 C R Gowri Shanker Follow on Twitter|   Published: 7th April 2025 1:20 am IST

Hyderabad: Goshamahal BJP MLA Raja Singh’s repeated pin pricks to the State leadership have caught the attention of the High Command.

In spite of numerous cautionary notices, suspensions, and reinstatements, Raja Singh continues to hit out at the State leadership on one issue or the other.

His latest outburst against the State BJP leadership over the selection of a candidate for MLC polls has become a subject of discussion in the party. A section of the party leaders wants stringent action against him.

Highly placed sources in the BJP said that Raja Singh’s tantrums and repeated comments against State leadership did not go down well with the high command, and it has been brought to the notice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

“The party has taken a serious view of his repeated comments against the State party leadership. This is causing immense damage to the party. The BJP national leadership may take stringent action if he crosses the line again,” a senior party leader told Siasat.com.

Raja Singh has always been in the eye of the storm with his stringent Hindutva ideology and repeated criticism of State party leadership, earning flak from party leaders and workers.

Asset, liability or loose cannon

Starting as a Telugu Desam corporator from Mangalhat to becoming Goshamahal BJP MLA in 2014 in Hyderabad, Raja Singh has become an asset as well as a liability for the party thanks to his outbursts on one issue or the other. Some party leaders describe him as a “loose cannon.”

Sources in the party say that Singh developed differences with Union Coal Minister and State BJP president, G Kishan Reddy, on various issues, including the distribution of tickets and party posts to his henchmen.

“He feels that he is being targeted by Kishan Reddy. His close associates are denied posts and tickets. He bears a grudge against Reddy and tries to paint him in a bad light at every given opportunity. If his recommendation for a post to his henchman is rejected, he targets the State president. The fact is that a decision is taken by the party keeping in view various aspects. But for Raja Singh, it is not so,” explained a senior party leader.

Hindu leader

Another senior party leader, on condition of anonymity, said that Singh wants to project himself as a pan-India Hindu leader. He wants to contest the Lok Sabha election from Nanded or Aurangabad. But the BJP national leadership has brushed aside his demands.

In his latest outburst, he took exception to the selection of N Gautam Rao as BJP MLC candidate for local bodies, accusing party leadership of favouring “sycophants” and ignoring dedicated workers.

Rama Navami Shobha Yatra

He is upset over Sri Rama Navami Shobha Yatra from Amberpet, which has been his forte for a long time.

Goshamahal MLA had in the past too flayed BJP presidents, alleging groupism within the party on caste lines, besides ignoring loyal party leaders and workers, including those who were jailed for the party cause.

Strong following

Raja Singh has a strong following in his Goshamahal Assembly constituency as well as in other parts of the State. He also has considerable clout in the neighbouring Maharashtra owing to the projection of his brand of Hindutva ideology. He also takes on AIMIM leadership in Hyderabad at the drop of a hat

New State President

There is a talk of change of leadership in Telangana State, but the party high command has not zeroed in on the next incumbent since there is a long list of aspirants including Union Minister and former State BJP president Bandi Sanjay, Malkajgiri MP Etala Rajender, BJP Executive Member, N Ramachander Rao, Medak MP Raghunandan, Nizamabad MP D Arvind and former MLA Chinthala Ramachandra Reddy.

“BJP is eyeing to win Telangana State this time. After the BRS defeat, Congress has won the State but is failing to implement promised guarantees. The BJP is confident of pulling off a big win in the next assembly elections,” asserts a senior party leader.

C R Gowri Shanker

C R Gowri Shanker is a senior journalist based out of Hyderabad. he has served as a Political Editor for Deccan Chronicle. With great insights on the political landscape of the country.

Ram Navami: Raja Singh defies sound restrictions by Hyderabad police

The Afzalgunj police last year booked Raja Singh for carrying out an unauthorised rally during the Sri Ram Navami procession.

 Yunus Lasania Follow on Twitter|   Updated: 6th April 2025 8:14 pm IST

 BJP leader T Raja Singh speaking at Ram Navami Shobha Yatra in Hyderabad on Sunday

Hyderabad: Sticking to his words and defying police orders against using DJ systems, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Goshamahal MLA Raja Singh on Sunday, April 6, used high-volume sound systems during the annual Sri Ram Navami Shobha Yatra in Hyderabad. His words during the rally also, as usual, egged on hate speech, with him saying “Tel lagaya Dabur ka, naam mitaya Babur ka, (we used Dabur oil, erased the name of Babur)” reference to the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

‘Ek Dhakka lagat tha. Tel lagaya Dabur ka, naam mitaya Babur Ka. Ek dhakka laga tha na, toh abhi dusra dhakka lagane ke liye tayyar hona hai. Toh agar yahan dhakke lagenge toh wahan kya dhakka lagenga, (One push was given. We applied oil from Dabur, and erased the name of Babur. One push was given, right? Now we must be ready to give a second push. So if there are pushes here, what kind of push will happen there?)” said Raja Singh during the Ram Navami procession that started from near Begum Bazar on Sunday in the Old City of Hyderabad.

The previous day, Raja Singh personally inspected the DJ system at Dhoolpet and made suggestions regarding lighting arrangements. According to his followers, it is one of the latest sound systems capable of generating high-decibel sounds. The BJP MLA had already declared that the Ram Navami procession “would not be disrupted” by any orders or notifications from the authorities.

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Raja Singh and his yearly Ram Navami rallies

The Hyderabad police this year asked organisers of the Sree Rama Navami Shobha Yatra processions to follow the ‘ban on playing DJ systems’.

Last year in September, police commissioner CV Anand issued orders prohibiting Disc Jockey (DJ) sound systems during religious processions in the city. According to a press release from the police, the use of DJ sound systems, DJ sound mixers, sound amplifiers and other high sound-generating equipment, appliances capable of producing such sound are prohibited during religious processions.

However, the Hyderabad police have allowed the use of sound systems with certain restrictions in the sound decibel limits. In videos from the Ram Navami rally headed by Raja Singh, it is evident that high sound-generating equipment was used.

The Afzalgunj police last year booked Raja Singh for carrying out an unauthorised rally during the Sri Ram Navami procession on April 17 without permission. The legislator, who sang Islamophobic songs as always, was booked under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for violating orders, as he did not have permission.

He sang a new song at the Ram Navami rally saying, ‘Angar hai hum, Toofan hai hum. Sunlo re sunlo. Pakistani mulloh, Bharat se bhaganeh ayeh hai hum (We are fire, we are a storm. Listen up, listen well. Pakistani mullahs, we are here to drive you out of India),” while his old song “Baap toh baap rehenga“, was played on the DJs along the procession route. The BJP MLA has done the same in the past as well.