Kavitha Suspended from BRS Amid Family Power Struggle in Telangana
In a surprising turn of events, Kalvakuntla Kavitha, the only woman politician from KCR’s family and a prominent leader in Telangana’s ruling party, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), has been suspended from the party. The decision comes after days of intense internal conflicts and public disagreements.
Kavitha was suspended on Tuesday for allegedly engaging in anti-party activities. The BRS leadership, headed by party founder and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), announced her suspension through a formal statement. This move marks a major upheaval within the party and highlights a growing power struggle within KCR’s own family.
The controversy started when Kavitha publicly targeted her colleagues in the party, alleging conspiracy and betrayal. The situation intensified after Kavitha criticized several senior leaders, including her own cousins, on accusations related to corruption and internal party politics. Her attack on T. Harish Rao, a fellow family member and former minister, was particularly noteworthy. She blamed him and others for tarnishing KCR’s reputation, especially regarding allegations linked to the famous Kaleshwaram irrigation project.
Kavitha’s outspoken stance seemed to be a challenge to her father’s authority and exposed deep rifts within the party. Her comments, especially on the Kaleshwaram project and the ongoing legal inquiries, appeared as a direct critique of KCR’s trusted team. Many political analysts see her suspension as a sign of a long-standing family feud boiling over.
This showdown is not just about individual ambitions. It reflects broader tensions within the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), now BRS, which was founded by KCR in 2001. Kavitha, who alias helped lead the movement for Telangana statehood, has been a key figure in the party’s rise. She served as a Member of Parliament and was known for her work in promoting Telangana culture and development.
Over the past few months, Kavitha has publicly accused internal party members of plotting against her and her father. She also claimed that some leaders wanted to merge the party with national parties like BJP, which she strongly opposed. Despite her assertions about remaining loyal to BRS and working under KCR, her growing dissent and outspoken criticism created tensions.
Adding to the conflict, Kavitha recently called out senior leader G. Jagadish Reddy, calling him ‘Lilliput’—a nickname that sparked further controversy. Her comments also hinted at a rivalry with her brother, K. T. Rama Rao (KTR), who is considered KCR’s political heir and a major leader in the party.
The turmoil within the KCR family comes against the backdrop of recent election setbacks for BRS. The party faced its worst defeat in the Telangana Assembly elections, and Kavitha’s legal troubles, including her arrest in connection with a money laundering case linked to a Delhi liquor scam, further complicated her political standing. She spent months in jail before being granted bail last year.
Despite these challenges, Kavitha remained an influential figure and later re-emerged in the political scene. However, her leaked internal letter criticizing KCR’s leadership strategies and handling of key issues ultimately led to her suspension from BRS.
This internal family feud and party split highlight the complexities within Telangana politics. As Kavitha faces suspension and legal challenges, the future of BRS and the political landscape in Telangana looks uncertain. The ongoing power struggle shows how family dynamics can shape regional politics, with significant implications for the upcoming elections and governance in the state.
