Harish Rao’s remarks are significant amid BRS MLC K Kavitha’s recent claim that merger talks with the BJP occurred while she was jailed—and that her opposition made her a target
Published Jun 02, 2025 | 6:50 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 02, 2025 | 6:50 PM
Harish Rao quashes speculation on BRS-BJP alliance in future
Synopsis: Amid swirling rumours of a possible alliance between the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the BJP, senior BRS leader T Harish Rao dismissed the speculation on 2 June. Speaking at Telangana Formation Day celebrations, Rao asserted that the BRS would contest upcoming elections independently, firmly ruling out any tie-up with the BJP and stating such a scenario “does not arise.”
In an attempt to quash speculation that a potential alliance between the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and BJP is on the cards, senior party leader and former minister T Harish Rao on Monday, 2 June, firmly dismissed the possibility, stating that such a scenario does not arise in the first place.
Speaking at the Telangana Formation Day celebrations at Telangana Bhavan, Rao asserted, “Recently, some individuals have been saying that the BRS will have an alliance with the BJP. Let me make it clear—the BRS will contest the upcoming elections independently and will have no truck with the BJP.”
The former finance minister expressed confidence that under the leadership of party president K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR), the BRS would secure a resounding victory in the next polls, winning no fewer than 100 seats. “KCR will return as the chief minister—this is the people’s desire,” he said. “Wherever I go, I hear people discussing the need for KCR’s leadership once again.”
Harish Rao’s statement gains significance amid recent claims by KCR’s daughter and BRS MLC K Kavitha, who alleged that there were attempts to merge the party with the BJP while she was in jail. She further claimed that her opposition to such a move made her a target. After criticising those acting against her interests, Kavitha has been actively leading the Telangana Jagruthi socio-cultural organisation on political lines, sparking speculation about its potential transformation into a political party.
Harish Rao also challenged Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to substantiate his claim of sanctioning ₹21,000 crore interest-free loans for women. “If he can prove it, I will resign as an MLA,” he said, questioning Reddy’s governance. “What has he achieved to claim his rule is better than the BRS’? Did he build even one irrigation project? Did he construct a single tank? His administration has failed to fully disburse Rythu Bandhu and Rythu Bheema benefits, and the crop loan waiver remains incomplete.”
Rao also lashed out at Reddy for not opposing the Andhra Pradesh government’s Godavari-Penna river interlinking Bankaacharla project. He warned that if the state government continues to remain silent, the BRS would approach the Supreme Court to challenge taking up the project.
Rao also cautioned officials engaging in excesses, stating that their names were being recorded in a “red book” and that they would face consequences once the BRS returns to power. He said the state government had dented the image of the state by bungling organising Miss World 2025 event.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
