Telangana BJP Chief Ramchander Rao Addresses Party Challenges, Future Strategy in Candid Interview
Interview with Telangana BJP Chief Ramchander Rao
Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao spoke frankly with Deccan Chronicle in a free-flowing interview, dismissing criticism that the party failed to move ahead with a mandate of eight Lok Sabha seats. In an interview with Deccan Chronicle’s Neeraj Kumar, he spoke freely on all subjects in a candid and transparent manner, instead of a guarded approach, right from indiscipline in the party to challenges before him.
Q: When many aspired to be the Telangana BJP president, why did the party chose an old-timer like you?
Both old and new party activists are happy with the selection. The youth are enthusiastic and thousands from across the state have expressed their happiness. The response among cadres and the public is terrific.
Q: Why was there a delay in appointing the new Telangana unit president despite the BJP winning eight Lok Sabha seats?
The party follows constitutional procedures: membership drives, forming booth, mandal, district and state committees before selecting the president. This layered process took time. Media reports about the delay were incorrect and did not affect the party or the cadre.
Q: The BJP has faced criticism for not sustaining momentum post-Lok Sabha elections and focusing on limited protests. Why?
The party prioritised the ‘Sanghatan Parv’ membership drive and internal democracy. Alongside, issues like farmers, students and demolition of poor houses by HYDRAA were addressed, but organisational work gave the impression of ignoring public issues.
Q. How will you handle indiscipline and criticism from senior leaders and allegations of cult culture and ideological deviation?
No one is above the party; indiscipline and groupism are not tolerated. Stringent action is taken against violators regardless of stature. As the party grows from cadre-based to mass-based, ideological training for all leaders is planned to preserve core principles.
Q. Some senior representatives deviated by supporting Gaddar’s ideology, causing a
Leaders from other parties take time to assimilate the BJP culture. Those who fail to shed their old ideology won’t get responsibilities or may be removed. Many leaders have embraced the BJP’s work under PM Modi and are working actively.
Q: With eight Lok Sabha seats, how do you plan to take the BJP forward in Telangana?
The BJP's vote share has been increasing since 2014, except in 2018. Recent MLC wins show public acceptance. The focus is on strengthening the party at the booth level under the slogan 'Sashakta Booth’ across all regions to emerge as a strong alternative.
Q: Why is the BJP not taking action on the Kaleshwaram
A CBI probe is needed, but the previous BRS government barred the CBI’s entry into Telangana. Without state approval or a court direction, the probes are stalled. The ED has issued notices in the Kaleshwaram case, but the Congress and the BRS are blocking investigations.
Q: BRS leader T. Harish Rao accused collusion between Union minister G. Kishan Reddy and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy regarding the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), focusing on the two collapsed piers of the Kaleshwaram barrage, ignoring the bigger issue of the diaphragm wall and gate wall of Polavaram. Your response?
Central agencies have rejected the
Q: The Congress has criticised the BJP for not appointing a BC community leader as state president. Your comment?
Congress should appoint a BC Chief Minister if it is concerned about BC welfare. The BJP gives equal priority to all sections and has elected representatives from all communities, including a Prime Minister from the BC community (previously) and a Dalit
Q: Why did you highlight your background as a criminal lawyer in response to social media trolling?
Though naturally soft, I do not tolerate derogatory comments against the party. I am aggressive about my strong ideological convictions.
Q: What is your roadmap as the BJP state president?
To build a strong party from booth level, address people’s issues, increase youth and women's participation, and aim for the BJP’s victory in the 2028 Assembly elections. Highlighting the Modi government’s achievements is also a key focus.
