As the two backward-class leaders flex their muscles in public, their ego clash is set to deepen divisions within the Telangana BJP, potentially undermining the party’s unity,
Published Jul 19, 2025 | 6:48 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 19, 2025 | 6:48 PM
Eatala Rajendar, Bandi Sanjay Kumar.
Synopsis: The rivalry stems from Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s belief that Eatala Rajender was responsible for replacing him as the BJP state president, though the party had performed well under him.
The simmering rivalry between Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Malakajgiri BJP MP Eatala Rajender escalated into an open conflict on Saturday, 19 July, exposing deep factionalism within the BJP unit in Telangana.
The dispute flared when Rajender, addressing party workers at his Shamirpet residence in Hyderabad, reacted sharply to a social media post allegedly shared by a supporter of Bandi Sanjay Kumar. The post, which Rajender deemed offensive, prompted him to lash out at the Union minister.
“I don’t wear a smile on my face while harboring hatred inwardly. That is not my nature. I confront my adversaries openly, not like those who are two-faced,” Rajender declared, announcing his intent to take the issue to the BJP’s national leadership.
Rajender’s outburst has roots in his long-standing tensions with Sanjay. Rajender is understood to believe that Sanjay was thwarting his rise within the party. He suspects Sanjay’s influence prevented him from securing the Telangana BJP president’s post during a recent leadership change.
The friction intensified when Sanjay questioned the existence of factions in the Huzurabad Assembly constituency recently, part of Sanjay’s Karimnagar Lok Sabha seat and Rajender’s political stronghold.
Huzurabad holds deep significance for Rajender, who represented the constituency in the Telangana Assembly for years. Addressing his supporters, he recalled the emotional bond he had with them.
“What do you know about my workers in Huzurabad? They are my strength. They stood by me during the 2021 by-election after I was dismissed from the BRS cabinet by K Chandrashekar Rao. Despite the BRS pumping money into the constituency to ensure my defeat, my workers worked tirelessly to secure a historic victory,” Rajender said.
Though he lost the 2023 Assembly election, he expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his followers.
Rajender’s remarks also brought into focus his distinct following, separate from the broader BJP cadre. Without naming Sanjay, he challenged his rival’s standing.
“Who are you and your supporters in Karimnagar to question me or my workers? I had served as a minister twice from Karimnagar and as ZP chairman many times. There is no village in the district that I have not visited. My supporters from Huzurabad, Karimnagar, and beyond visit me constantly,” he said.
Rajender vowed to protect his workers’ interests and ensure their success in upcoming local body elections, asserting, “There will be a supporter of mine in every village and ward.”
His words were in response to Sanjay, who accused him recently of fostering factionalism in Huzurabad, the only constituency in Karimnagar district he claims is plagued by such divisions.
“Why should loyalty be to one leader? In the BJP, we are loyal to the party and its flag, not to individuals—not even me,” Sanjay said, indirectly targeting Rajender. He alleged attempts to sabotage his Lok Sabha election campaign and questioned whether those responsible should receive tickets in the upcoming local elections.
The rivalry traces back to Sanjay’s suspicion that Rajender played a role in his removal as Telangana BJP president after he showed remarkable results in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections (BJP won 48 out of 150).
While the party’s national leadership replaced Sanjay with Union Minister G Kishan Reddy ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections, Rajender’s ambition to lead the state unit remained a dream, further fuelling the discord.
As the two backward-class leaders flex their muscles in public, their ego clash is set to deepen divisions within the Telangana BJP, potentially undermining the party’s unity, ahead of critical local body elections.
The supporters of both leaders now face the challenge of navigating this internal power struggle. It may also cast a shadow on the party’s ability to position itself as an alternative to the ruling Congress.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
