Hyderabad:Amidst growing political speculation in Telangana, the recent appointment of Ramchander Rao as the new BJP State President has triggered intense debate, particularly with opposition parties alleging a covert understanding between the BJP and BRS. Telangana Congress leaders have claimed that this leadership change marks the “first step” towards a potential BJP-BRS alliance — a theory gaining traction across political circles.
Significantly, the decision to sideline senior leader Etela Rajender, a prominent figure from the powerful BC community, in favor of Ramchander Rao has sparked discontent within the BJP. Party insiders and sympathizers alike have expressed dissatisfaction, suggesting that this move could weaken the BJP’s grassroots strength and instead serve to forge a political bond with BRS.
The Congress party has publicly criticized the appointment, describing it as symbolic of a growing friendship between the BJP and BRS rather than a step toward strengthening the BJP’s organizational base in Telangana. Interestingly, this narrative is also resonating with a section of BJP supporters, who view the decision as a strategic misstep.
Political analysts have drawn attention to recent remarks made by MLC K. Kavitha, a key BRS leader, implying deeper ties between the two parties. They argue that the BJP’s choice of a low-profile state president is merely a “sample” of a larger plan that may lead to a formal BJP-BRS alignment in the future.
Since losing power in the state, BRS chief K. Chandrashekar Rao has largely remained confined to his farmhouse, with the party struggling to maintain relevance. This situation has opened a window of opportunity for the BJP to emerge as the principal opposition. Under the earlier leadership of Bandi Sanjay, the BJP had seen significant growth, posing a stiff challenge both to the BRS and the Congress. However, the recent leadership change is being viewed as a setback to that momentum.
At a time when BRS is grappling with a string of electoral defeats and legal battles, political observers believe the BJP could have seized the moment to advance assertively and position itself as the primary alternative to the Congress. Instead, critics argue, the central leadership has opted to “fight a battle with an unloaded gun,” by not entrusting the role to a stronger, more dynamic leader.
In summary, if the Congress’s allegations of a BJP-BRS alliance bear truth, the million-dollar question remains
