Unity Eludes BRS in Mahabubabad

 Warangal: With just days left for the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) to celebrate its silver jubilee public meeting in Elkathurthy mandal of Hanamkonda district, preparations are in full swing across Telangana.

However, what was envisioned as a show of strength and unity is now overshadowed by growing internal discord, particularly in Mahabubabad and debates over decentralised mobilisation tactics after recent remarks by former minister Errabelli Dayakar Rao.

In Mahabubabad, the lead-up to the celebrations has been marred by infighting and turf wars among senior leaders. Despite the urgency, friction within the ranks has reached a boiling point, threatening party cohesion.

In Dornakal, former MLA Redya Naik and former minister Satyavathi Rathod continue to avoid joint appearances. “I am the former MLA of Dornakal and a voter from Kuravi. Why am I not invited to party meetings?” questioned a visibly upset Rathod. A similar standoff persists in Mahabubabad town, where former MLA Shankar Naik and MLC Takellapalli Ravinder remain at odds. “I’ve served the party since the Telangana movement. How can decisions be taken without involving me?” Ravinder asked, expressing his discontent.

District party president and former MP Maloth Kavitha has struggled to mediate, reportedly hindered by seniority politics within the party structure. The party's high command appears cautious, preferring to pacify individual leaders rather than impose firm decisions. “When asked to bite, the frog gets angry; when asked to let go, the snake gets furious,” said a party insider, reflecting the tense internal dynamics.

With local body elections approaching, second-rung leaders are pressing the leadership to unify the five key leaders in Mahabubabad to ensure a robust campaign and a successful silver jubilee turnout.

In a surprising departure from the party’s top-down mobilisation strategy, former minister Errabelli Dayakar Rao, during a preparatory meeting in Palakurthi, encouraged local leaders to take charge. “Earlier, we used to pay Rs 200 to Rs 300 per person to attend rallies. This time, I won’t dictate how many people to bring. You decide what works best for your village,” he said, suggesting a grassroots-oriented approach.

His remarks have sparked internal discussion, with some viewing them as a progressive call for organic participation. On the contrary, others fear this could dilute the leadership’s plan for a centrally coordinated gathering. Party sources admit that Errabelli’s remarks have become a talking point, raising concerns about a disconnect between senior leaders and the high command.

Meanwhile, in sharp contrast to the discord elsewhere, the scene in Chennaraopet mandal of the Narsampet constituency is one of unity, enthusiasm and community involvement. BRS leaders have held preparatory meetings across villages including Jojipet and Narayana Thanda, with planning for the Elkathurthy meeting in full swing.

In a heartening moment, a newly married couple, Harish and Ankita, were invited to take part in the campaign, symbolising youth participation and grassroots inclusion. “All leaders and activists are working in close coordination. We are fully prepared to ensure a massive and memorable turnout on April 27,” said mandal leader Balne Venkanna.