NEW TG PRESIDENT OF BJP RAO ASSERTS, `I AM NOT DUMMY BUT DADDY'; DECLARES TO FACE THE OPPOSITION BOLDLY

 

 Siasat.com/Featured News/

New TG President of BJP Rao asserts, ‘I am not dummy but daddy’; declares to face the opposition boldly

N Ramachader Rao was appointed as the new head for BJP Telangana on Tuesday. He is facilitated by former state head and Union minister G Kishan Reddy and other BJP leaders.

 C R Gowri Shanker Follow on Twitter|   Published: 5th July 2025 4:14 pm IST

Hyderabad: Strengthening BJP from the grassroots level is top priority of the newly elected Telangana BJP President Ramachander Rao.

In an interview with Siasat.com President Naraparaju Ramchander Rao said that facing the first political challenge is the ensuing Local Bodies elections is to put the Congress government in dock over its failures.

Ramachander Rao made it clear that his first priority was to strengthen the party from grassroots level so that he can face political challenges in ensuing elections.

“My first priority is to go to roots…villages. Local bodies elections are near and we have to strengthen our party from grass roots level. I will put this in action immediately. I will be touring all the districts in the State in a phased manner,” Rao said in an exclusive interview on Saturday.

Will put Congress in dock

He added, “My next priority… top on agenda is to put this Congress government led by A Revanth Reddy in the dock over failure to keep the electoral promises, mis-governance and failures in various spheres.”

A lawyer turned politician, Ramachander Rao with roots in Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP, is seen by the party leadership as a consensus candidate acceptable to the various competing factions within the Telangana BJP.

Sixty-six-year-old Naraparaju Ramchander Rao, who is Master of Arts (MA) and LLB from Osmania University, served as BJP MLC from Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy and Mahabubnagar Graduates Constituencies from 2015 to 2021. He was a Bar Council Member, BJP chief spokesman, General Secretary in undivided AP, among other key posts

Raja Singh raises ruckus

Ramachander Rao selection and election as Telangana State BJP president has surprised many and also created a ruckus in the party from Goshamahal BJP MLA and Hindutva leader T Raja Singh.

There was a long list of aspirants, including Malkajgiri MP Etala Rajender, Nizamabad MP Arvind Dharmapuri, Medak MP Madhavaneni Raghunandan Rao, among others.

While national party leaders maintained silence over the episode and furious reaction from Raja Singh who went public alleging denial of opportunity to file nomination for the party president’s post, Ramachander Rao, who is also a close friend of Raja Singh, parried the questions saying the issue is being dealt by national party.

However, days after Raja Singh’s public outburst, the BJP national leadership hasn’t taken any action and treating it as the usual “blow hot, blow cold” attitude of Singh.

Raja Singh is loyal to Modi, Shah

Interestingly, Raja Singh who shot a resignation letter quitting the party made interesting comments publicly avowing his commitment and full support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah “despite leaving he party.” “I continue to be loyal to them and support them.” The comment put the resignation issue on the back burner.

Though the organisation is riven with groupism, the BJP High Command chose Ramachander Rao for his long-standing commitment to the party.

‘I am not a dummy but daddy’

Ramachander Rao’s appointment triggered unprecedented social media attacks including some from rival party leaders questioning his ability to steer the party to victory in elections. Some even crossed the line and called him a “dummy.”

Stung by the comments, Ramachander Rao hit back at his detractors saying he was not a “dummy” but a ‘daddy’ and showed the same to people in the days to come.

“I’m capable of handling party affairs. I am indebted to party leaders and workers for showing faith in me. I’ve been jailed 14 times, faced political violence, and fought against Maoists. I will strengthen the party from the grassroots level and see that the party comes out with flying colours in the ensuing elections. All those who are ridiculing me will get it back.”

Rao’s appointment part of national polls

Telangana BJP president’s elections have helped the national party move closer to electing a national president in place of J P Nadda whose tenure comes to an end. BJP has new State presidents, including some who were re-elected, in 16 states. Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and some others are pending and will be completed soon.

As per the BJP constitution, election of national president needs at least 19 out of its 37 organisational states.

In neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, the BJP appointed Ex-MLC PVN Madhav in place of Lok Sabha MP Daggubati Purandeswari as its party president. BJP is in alliance with Telugu Desam and Jana Sena in AP. He pledged to build the BJP into an “unshakable force” in Andhra Pradesh.

 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 GOVERNMENT TO INSTALL STATUE OF VETERAN POLITICIAN K ROSAIAH IN HYDERABAD

 

 Siasat.com/Featured News/

Telangana government to install statue of veteran politician K Rosaiah in Hyderabad

 C R Gowri Shanker Follow on Twitter|   Updated: 4th July 2025 12:36 am IST 

Hyderabad: Former Chief Minister of unified Andhra Pradesh, Konijeti Rosaiah’s statue is being installed at Saifabad in Hyderabad on the occasion of his 92nd jayanthi (birth anniversary).

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has also decided to officially celebrate K Rosaiah birthday every July 4 henceforth on behalf of the Telangana Government in view of his long and illustrious political career and immense contribution to society.

Revanth Reddy will unveil the nine-feet tall bronze statue on a 10-feet pedestal that is being installed in 250 square yard area where once the Saifabad police station was located opposite Dwaraka Hotel, Lakdikapul. The police station was shifted to a nearby place.

The State government has entrusted birthday celebrations to the Department of Youth Advancement, Tourism, and Culture with the cooperation of Konijeti Rosaiah Memorial Trust, Hyderabad. The celebrations will be an annual feature every 4th of July.

After the unveiling of the statue, an official function will be at Ravindra Bharati at 10 am.

An astute politician with a remarkable gift of gab, witty and sarcastic, Rosaiah created a record of sorts in the country by serving as Finance Minister under various Chief Ministers and governments in undivided Andhra Pradesh 16 times and presented budgets before becoming Chief Minister.

In fact, a surprised former Maharashtra Chief Minister and former Union Defence Minister Sharad Pawar who visited Hyderabad once greeted Rosaiah and said, “I met many Chief Ministers but you remain the Finance Minister.”

Born on July 4, 1933, and passed away on December 4, 2021, in Hyderabad at the age of 88 years.

One of the seniormost Congress leaders and a towering personality, Rosaiah had served in the cabinets of Chief Ministers, including Kotla Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy and Y S. Rajasekhara Reddy. He was also former Governor of Tamil Nadu State when Jayalalithaa was Chief Minister. He also served as the governor of Karnataka.

Affectionately called Peddayana (elder statesman), Rosaiah had a long political innings which began under the tutelage of Swatantra Party leader N G Ranga. Rosaiah, a Gandhian, worked with leaders who sacrificed everything in pursuit of the freedom struggle.

Media shy Rosaiah was a great speaker and held the assembly spellbound with facts and figures. His presentations were laced with witty remarks, sarcasm and nailed the opposition leaders unhesitantly.

The former CM who stayed at Ameerpet led a peaceful life after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

He once said, “I cannot re-enter politics at this age. I had the longest political innings of over six decades in undivided Andhra Pradesh. The State is bifurcated. I want to lead the rest of my life in Hyderabad.”

Celebrate Sanjivayya jayanthi: VHR

Meanwhile, former Rajya Sabha Member V Hanumantha Rao urged the Chief Minister while welcoming Rosaiah jayanthi celebrations urged the government to organise Damodaram Sanjivayya birthday celebrations officially in Telangana. Sanjivayya was the first Dalit Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh.

He was the second chief minister after the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1956. He was also the first Dalit leader to become President of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), served as Union Minister for Labour and Employment and member of Rajya Sabha, and president of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee.

 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.

AICC President Sri Mallikarjun Kharge unveils statue of K Rosaiah on July 4, 2025 Friday. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and others participated.

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.