South First focuses on the colourful activities that marked the Bharat Rashtra Samithi announcement as KCR's foray into national politics.
The enthusiasm was high on the occasion of TRS expanding its activities nationwide and rebranding itself as Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS). (Ajay Tomar/South First)
While the Dussehra or Dasara is marked as a victory of good over evil across the country, the reason for celebrations in Telangana this year is different.
It was the morning of Wednesday, 5 October. Covered by hundreds of banners, hoardings, and flexis of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), the roads leading to the city were turned into pink avenues.
Pandals in the form of meeting halls similar to ones at the Durga Puja were set up by TRS functionaries on the roads leading to the Telangana Bhavan at Banjara Hills.
Party cadres, supporters, and media persons started gathering. outside the TRS annual general body meeting venue around 10 am.
The vibes that a mega announcement was incoming were palpable.
TRS supporters outside Telangana Bhavan. (Ajay Tomar/South First)
A few bike rallies of youth cadres showing support for Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao passed by. They displayed placards displaying “Desh ki Netha KCR” and chanting “Jai Telangana, Jai KCR.”
South First takes you through the eye-catching activities that flourished as the TRS rebranded itself as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and forayed into national politics.
Banjara tribe women.
The atmosphere, which took an hour or so to build up, was all set for the KCR to arrive. Everyone present was waiting eagerly.
All of this kept security personnel on their toes: They were busy keeping people on the two sides of the main gate.
A group of around 100 women, forming three files, marched towards the Telangana Bhavan. Dressed in long blouses or shirts with long skirts, they danced continuously as a few men from their troupe played percussion instruments.
This was the lambadi folk dance, ostensibly to signal the arrival of the delegates.
Banjara tribe women.
Right from the head covering, every piece of their clothing was heavily ornamented with glasswork. The vibrantly coloured dresses they wore matched their heavy jewellery.
“We are from Banjara tribe currently residing in Jubilee Hills, and perform on special moments when we are asked. Each one of us charges around ₹1,000-1,200,” one of the women later told South First.
With their dance, the euphoria among the cadres reached a different level as the caravan of the chief minister and other leaders arrived.
While most of the TRS supporters were dressed either in pink (the colour of the party flag) or white attire, a few of them donned something or the other that was out of the ordinary.
KCR on accessories
Saraswati adorning KCR merchandise.
One such person was Seelam Saraswati, a senior leader from the Ghoshamahal Assembly constituency.
She had used photos of KCR on some interesting accessories.
From a hat to a sash, from her earrings to sunglasses, everything displayed the TRS chief’s photo.
And if that was not enough, her watch, bangle, and necklace also featured KCR’s countenance.
“I see KCR as an epitome of development. He will win next year’s Assembly elections and then the BRS will win the general elections,” Saraswati told South First.
Meanwhile, about 100 women — all in pink sarees — were raising slogans of “Jai KCR, Jai Telangana.”
Manohar and his cart were wrapped with the sash and banner, respectively.
TRS and KCR everywhere
Another eye-catching outfit was of 57-year-old Gajbina Manohar, a native of the Siddipet district in the state.
Apart from his round-the-body poster — draped more like a poncho than anything else — and hat, the tea shop owner came with his cart wrapped with posters supporting the party and a loudspeaker playing music.
“I have been going to KCR’s events like this since 2004. I even went to Munogode and Huzurabad when he went there,” Manohar told South First.
Suresh Yadav, a farmer from the Suryapet district painted his body.
Pink: the colour of the day
Among a few other different methods of expressing love was that of a man who had painted his whole upper body in pink, with a KCR portrait on his torso.
Next was a supporter riding a Bolero car modified and coloured pink, with huge loudspeakers in the back playing music to support the chief minister.
Meanwhile, thousands of crackers, both aerial and on the ground, stole the show as the news of the announcement of the resolution being passed spread.
The renaming of the TRS to the BRS will be official when the Election Commission gives it the official nod.
However, KCR may have to wait for some time before the BRS can be officially declared a national party.
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