BRS cracks widen: Kavitha says efforts on to merge party with BJP, takes veiled jabs at brother KTR
Hyderabad, May 29, 2025 — The political scene in Telangana is becoming more turbulent. Senior leader and former MP Kalvakuntla Kavitha has hinted at efforts to merge the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her comments have stirred fresh speculation about BRS’s future. They also reveal growing rifts between her and her brother, K. T. Rama Rao (KTR), the party’s working president.
Growing Fissures in BRS Leadership
For years, the BRS appeared as a tightly knit party. It revolved mainly around Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) and his family. But recent signs suggest cracks are widening. Kavitha’s recent interview, where she discussed merging with the BJP, surprised many political watchers and insiders.
Kavitha, who kept a low profile politically compared to KTR, sounded more assertive. She avoided outright criticism but clearly hinted at differences. Her remarks suggest a growing divide in ideology and strategy within the party.
“Politics is dynamic. Leaders must adapt to changing realities,” Kavitha said. “We are looking at all options to strengthen the party and better serve Telangana. If a merger with BJP helps, we should consider it.”
This statement breaks from the BRS’s traditional stand. The party had firmly opposed aligning with BJP, its main rival in Telangana. Now, a merger seems possible. This could drastically change Telangana’s political scene.
Veiled Criticism of Party Strategy
While diplomatic, Kavitha’s comments included subtle criticism of KTR’s leadership. She implied that the party’s current path under KTR might not work well. She hinted at dissatisfaction with how decisions are made.
Though she did not directly blame KTR, it is clear there are differences within the family and party leadership. Analysts see this as a sign of a brewing power struggle. Kavitha’s rising political ambitions and recent vocal criticisms highlight this tension.
Observers note that KTR’s focus on reforms and welfare gained public approval. Yet, his assertive political style may have alienated some senior party members. Kavitha’s remarks seem to reflect this unease.
Internal Dissent and Factionalism
BRS insiders say Kavitha’s views reflect broader dissent in the party. Several leaders reportedly dislike the current leadership style and campaign methods. They also dislike how power is concentrated in KCR’s family.
These tensions grew after recent elections. BRS underperformed in some key seats. Some leaders supporting Kavitha believe a fresh approach is needed. This may include alliances with BJP.
“There is a growing belief that opposing BJP at all costs may hurt us politically,” said a senior leader. “Kavitha’s openness to a merger shows a practical way to stay relevant.”
However, not all agree. KTR loyalists and many grassroots workers oppose merging with BJP. They see it as betrayal of BRS’s ideology and Telangana’s identity.
KTR’s Silence and the Road Ahead
KTR has avoided responding publicly to Kavitha’s remarks. His supporters say internal debates are normal in any party. They stress that the leadership focuses on governance and development.
Experts think KTR’s silence may be a strategy. He might want to avoid giving dissenters more attention. But if Kavitha’s faction pushes harder, a showdown could occur.
“Family politics in parties like BRS is complex,” said Dr. Suresh Reddy, a political analyst. “Both Kavitha and KTR have strong support. How they resolve this matters a lot.”
Implications for Telangana Politics
A BRS-BJP merger would shake up Telangana politics. BJP has steadily grown in the state. Joining forces with BRS would boost its position before elections.
For BJP, merging means gaining BRS’s vote bank and organization, especially in rural areas. For Kavitha and her supporters, it may be a way to stay relevant amid growing BJP influence.
But the merger risks losing core BRS supporters. Many see BJP’s ideology as clashing with Telangana’s regional pride. The move could cause defections and help opposition parties like Congress and Telangana Jana Samithi.
Conclusion: A Political Crossroads
BRS faces a crucial crossroads. Kavitha’s openness to merging with BJP and her veiled criticism of KTR show the party’s challenges. Managing family and political ambitions is difficult.
The coming months will reveal if BRS can heal these rifts. Or if the party will realign, changing Telangana’s politics forever.
For Telangana’s people, this is more than a family dispute. It is a political shift that could affect governance and the state’s future.
