Is Kavitha planning to launch Telangana Jagruthi Party?

The internal rift within the Kalvakuntla family has spilled into the open, raising serious questions about the future of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the legacy of its patriarch, K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR). The former and first Chief Minister of Telangana is not only grappling with political setbacks but is also facing a deepening familial crisis. His daughter, K. Kavitha, appears to be at odds with her brother and BRS Working President, K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), triggering speculation about a full-blown political rebellion.

Kavitha’s growing discontent

In recent media interactions, Kavitha voiced strong criticism of her father’s inner circle, describing it as a “devilish coterie.” While she refrained from naming individuals directly, it was evident that she was referring to her brother KTR and their cousin Joginipally Santosh, whom she accused of building a metaphorical wall around KCR—blocking access to him and isolating him from broader party voices.

This marks yet another instance in Indian political history where siblings clash over succession and influence in a family-dominated party. The parallels with Y.S. Sharmila’s fallout with her brother, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, are striking—leading many to brand Kavitha as “another Sharmila.”

Rumblings of a new party

Though Kavitha has maintained a relatively low profile since her explosive media appearance three days ago, speculation is rife that she is preparing to launch her own political outfit. According to Andhra Jyothy, a newspaper known for breaking similar stories, including Sharmila’s political rebellion, Kavitha is openly defying KTR and blames him for stifling her political growth.

Sources suggest she plans to convert her existing cultural and social organisation, Telangana Jagruthi, into a full-fledged political party. Under the banner of fighting for a “Samajika Telangana” (Socially Inclusive Telangana), Kavitha has been advocating for the rights of backward classes, even going as far as to criticise her father’s administration for failing to deliver social justice—a move that clearly deviated from the BRS party line.

Strained relations and political fallout

KTR, reportedly, has been furious over Kavitha’s recent actions, especially her involvement in the Delhi liquor policy case, which caused significant embarrassment to the party ahead of key elections. Her continued political tours and public comments post-bail further alienated her from the BRS leadership.

Despite the family drama, KTR has responded with caution, avoiding direct confrontations in public. However, within the party, there’s a growing belief that Kavitha’s dissent is not entirely self-motivated.

Is there a political backing?

Insiders in the BRS suspect a broader conspiracy at play. Fingers are being pointed at Andhra Jyothy’s editor Radhakrishna, who has long harbored animosity toward KCR. There is also speculation that current Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy might be tacitly supporting Kavitha’s political aspirations—a claim that has yet to be substantiated but is being pushed within BRS circles to explain the timing and scale of her revolt.

What lies ahead?

If Kavitha indeed goes ahead with forming her own party, it would mark a significant shift in Telangana’s political landscape. A split in the Kalvakuntla family not only weakens the BRS internally but also provides a new rallying point for those disenchanted with both the ruling and opposition parties. Whether this will translate into electoral strength remains to be seen, but for now, all eyes are on Kavitha’s next move.