The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is facing internal turmoil, and recent events suggest a potential shift in the party's dynamics. Kalvakuntla Kavitha, daughter of BRS chief K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), has been removed from her position as honorary president of the Telangana Boggu Gani Karmika Sangham (TBGKS), a trade union affiliated with the BRS in Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL). This move, orchestrated by BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao, Kavitha's brother, has sparked speculation about a growing rift within the BRS first family and whether Kavitha will be further sidelined or even expelled from the party.
Kavitha's removal from the TBGKS leadership is seen by political observers as an attempt to diminish her influence within the BRS and its associated organizations. Koppula Eshwar, a former minister, has been appointed as the new honorary president, a decision that was reportedly made a month prior but formally announced recently. The BRS stated that the trade union will now work under Eshwar's leadership to support the Singareni workers.
The removal has already caused ripples within the TBGKS, with several office bearers resigning in protest, stating that Eshwar's appointment was "illegal" and lacked proper election. These members affirmed their commitment to Kavitha and pledged to launch an agitation upon her return from a trip to the United States. They highlighted Kavitha's contributions to securing welfare programs and appointments for Singareni workers, including 19,463 new appointments.
In response to her removal, Kavitha issued an emotional letter to the Singareni workforce, questioning the legality of the election and calling it a violation of union rules and labor laws. While congratulating Eshwar, she thanked the workers for their trust since 2015 and recounted her efforts in restoring compassionate appointments, securing fee reimbursements for employees' children, and advocating for dependent jobs and free power in workers' quarters. Kavitha also alleged political conspiracies behind her ouster, claiming that vested interests were attempting to undermine worker unity. She expressed disappointment over internal party conflicts, referencing a previous incident where a private letter to her father was leaked to damage her reputation. Despite these events, she reassured workers of her continued support.
The recent developments are not isolated incidents but rather a continuation of the internal strife that has been brewing within the BRS for some time. Kavitha has been vocal about the lack of internal democracy within the party, stating that certain individuals have created a barrier between leaders, including herself, and KCR. She has also criticized the party's failure to address the needs of Backward Classes (BCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and minorities, who form a significant part of the party's support base.
Kavitha has also claimed that there are factions within the BRS seeking to merge the party with the BJP, a proposal she vehemently opposes. She has asserted that she will not accept any leader other than her father and has dismissed speculations about forming a new party. These statements underscore the power struggles and ideological differences that are currently plaguing the BRS.
The removal of Kavitha from the trade union leadership and the ongoing internal conflicts raise questions about her future within the BRS. While it is difficult to predict whether she will be expelled from the party, the recent events suggest a systematic effort to reduce her influence and sideline her from key positions. The coming months will be crucial in determining the direction of the BRS and the role Kavitha will play in it.
