Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president and Sircilla MLA K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) sent shockwaves through Telangana’s political landscape, announcing that by-elections in the state are “inevitable” and will occur within 2025.
Speaking at a party meeting in Hyderabad, KTR’s bold statement has intensified speculation about potential political shifts, particularly following the defection of 10 BRS MLAs to the ruling Congress since December 2023.
Addressing BRS workers, KTR emphasized the growing discontent with the Congress government led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
“Resentment among people against the Congress is increasing due to the failure of the Revanth Reddy government. All of us must be prepared for the coming by-elections,” he declared.
He further asserted that by-elections are unavoidable in the 10 assembly segments where BRS MLAs have switched allegiance to Congress. “I believe by-elections are inevitable in 10 assembly segments where BRS MLAs have defected.”
The defections, which include prominent figures like former Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, have left the BRS reeling and prompted the party to move the Telangana High Court, seeking disqualification of the turncoat MLAs.
The BRS leader also used the opportunity to slam the Congress for unfulfilled promises, accusing Revanth Reddy of maintaining silence on critical issues like the National Herald case involving Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.
“Revanth Reddy has not uttered a single word against the BJP government targeting his party’s top leaders. This is further proof of the close ties between ‘Chote Bhai’ Revanth Reddy and ‘Bade Bhai’ Prime Minister Modi,” KTR quipped, alleging a covert alliance.
Political analysts suggest KTR’s statement is a strategic move to rally the BRS cadre and pressure the Congress government, which has faced criticism for delays in implementing poll promises.
For now, KTR’s declaration has set the stage for a high-stakes political showdown.