Etala Approach Poses Big Questions to BJP

Hyderabad: The BJP Telangana unit faces a fresh crisis after senior leader and Malkajgiri MP Etala Rajendar’s public outbursts shook the party’s image as a disciplined outfit. With the local body elections approaching, Rajendar’s open demand for tickets for his loyalists in Huzurabad has put the BJP in an uncomfortable spot.

Known for its strong internal discipline, the BJP has avoided the open ticket lobbying and dissent that are often seen in other political parties. Rajendar’s remarks appear to challenge the narrative of ‘internal cohesion and strict discipline’ on which the party prides itself.

By seeking nominations for his associates, while underlining his role as the architect of BJP’s growth in Huzurabad, Rajendar has made a direct bid for influence at a delicate time as the party negotiates its candidate selection and electoral strategy.

What began as an expression of personal disappointment has since morphed into a contest for supremacy, particularly between him and Union minister of state Bandi Sanjay Kumar. Sanjay’s repeated calls for organisational discipline and his warnings against personality-driven factions were widely viewed as direct responses to Rajendar’s approach.

Senior party leaders emphasised that the BJP had always maintained ‘zero tolerance’ for indiscipline, regardless of a leader’s stature. This situation places the onus squarely on state BJP president N. Ramchander Rao, who now has to assert party discipline while attempting to pacify Rajendar’s camp.

Reactions from the party base reflected a mix of concern and insistence on discipline. Sunitha Reddy, originally from Illandakunta mandal in Huzurabad and now living in Hyderabad, feared that sidelining Rajendar could weaken the party’s support base.

Ravi Kumar of Karimnagar was unequivocal that “at no point does the BJP accommodate indiscipline, whatever the leader’s stature,” stressing that “it’s always the party first.”

Suhasini, a Hyderabad Mahila Morcha activist, expressed frustration over defectors and their ambitions, warning such trends could unravel the party’s tradition of discipline. Padma, senior Mahila Morcha leader, insisted, “Discipline must be visible from top. When leaders openly break ranks, it weakens the organisation. We need clarity and command from our senior leaders. Without discipline at every level, we risk losing people’s trust.”