Former Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) parliamentarian and legislator Kalvakuntla Kavitha introduced her new political group during a gathering outside Hyderabad on Saturday. She was joined by numerous supporters from her cultural group, Telangana Jagruthi, established by her in 2006.
As attendees greeted Kavitha on the expansive platform in Munirabad, Medchal district, the scene resembled her past involvement with the BRS, founded by her father and ex-Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) in 2001. The event’s atmosphere, music, addresses, and audience echoed familiar elements.
Kavitha revealed the name of her new organization: Telangana Rashtra Sena (TRS), reminiscent of the original name of KCR’s party, which was Telangana Rashtra Samithi before its national rebranding to BRS in 2023.
This choice of name is viewed in local political discussions as a direct contest against KCR and her brother, BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR). Kavitha departed from the BRS in September due to disagreements with KTR, who is positioned as KCR’s potential successor in leading the Telangana statehood campaign.
Sources within her party described the naming as a strategic effort to reclaim that heritage, potentially drawing votes away from BRS in future polls.
In her speech following the launch, Kavitha presented TRS as an opponent to the BJP, Congress, and BRS. She criticized the BJP for opposing social equity, the Congress for failing to achieve it, and the BRS for abandoning its origins.
She accused the ruling Congress government in Telangana, led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, of prioritizing Rahul Gandhi’s prime ministerial ambitions over local needs.
Regarding the BRS, Kavitha remarked that it seemed focused on keeping KCR at his rural home while elevating KTR to chief minister. She reiterated claims that the BJP aims to eliminate social justice measures.
Kavitha’s primary criticisms targeted KCR, noting a significant shift in his approach over time. She differentiated between the pre-2014 KCR who championed Telangana’s formation and the later version who, she said, became detached from public concerns during his tenure.
An associate from TRS noted her emphasis on how the agitation leader had fundamentally altered. Kavitha questioned KCR’s recent public engagement, asking when he last supported distressed residents, and chanted that he would not appear.
Kavitha received a lift in February when a Delhi court cleared her, along with AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and others, in the Delhi excise policy matter. She had been imprisoned for more than five months before receiving bail in August 2024. This situation strained family ties, prompting her BRS exit. She blamed KCR and KTR for lacking support during her detention in what she called a politically driven prosecution.
Kavitha also critiqued the Revanth Reddy administration’s handling of multiple issues. Congress representatives suggested her emerging party would primarily erode BRS support, indirectly aiding the BJP. A senior Congress figure stated they would focus on strengthening their own backing without involving in family disputes.
Associates of Kavitha indicated that various dissatisfied BRS figures, including past legislators and parliamentarians, are expected to switch sides soon.
During chants of support for Telangana, Kavitha outlined a five-point plan for TRS, emphasizing education, health services, farming, employment, and social equity.
She announced five commitments: complimentary schooling in private institutions, free healthcare for all conditions including long-term ones, agricultural support, creation of 400,000 positions within a year of governing, and promotion of social justice. A party representative explained these goals stem from extensive public service and are practical, aiming to gain acceptance among Telangana residents.
