The statement is notable, since rumours of a cold war between Harish Rao and KTR have long circulated within BRS circles, despite both leaders having consistently dismissed such claims as baseless.
Published May 13, 2025 | 9:32 PM ⚊ Updated May 13, 2025 | 9:32 PM
Despite the apparent tensions, KTR and Harish Rao have publicly backed each other in times of crisis
Synopsis: Senior Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader T Harish Rao’s endorsement of Working President KT Rama Rao to take over the party leadership has reignited speculation about internal realignments within the party. The statement comes amid long-standing rumours of a rift between Harish Rao and KTR, which both leaders have previously denied.
Senior Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader and former Minister T Harish Rao’s statement on Tuesday, 13 May that he would welcome BRS Working President KT Rama Rao taking over the reins of the party from his father and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has sparked fresh political chatter.
“I have said this before, and I am reiterating it. As a disciplined party worker, I will wholeheartedly welcome it if the party President entrusts KTR with leadership,” he said.
“I have remained loyal to the party and K Chandrashekar Rao since its inception in 2001.”
The statement is notable, since rumours of a cold war between Harish Rao and KTR have long circulated within BRS circles, despite both leaders having consistently dismissed such claims as baseless.
Speculation intensified when Harish Rao appeared sidelined during the party’s silver jubilee celebrations in Warangal last month.
Posters and banners across the city prominently featured KCR and KTR, while Harish Rao and KCR’s daughter, Kavitha, were conspicuously absent.
Initially, Harish Rao had been involved in the event’s preparations, but his role seemed to diminish as KTR took centre stage.
Supporters of Harish Rao claimed he was confined to Medak district during the celebrations, while some felt his seating arrangement on the dais on the day of celebrations did not reflect his seniority in the party.
Since then, there has been growing talk that Harish Rao might leave BRS – either to form his own party or join another, such as the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Unconfirmed reports even suggested he had met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, further fuelling rumours of his dissatisfaction with the BRS leadership.
Despite the apparent tensions, KTR and Harish Rao have publicly backed each other in times of crisis. When Congress workers attacked Harish Rao’s residence in August 2024, KTR condemned the incident as “lawlessness.”
Similarly, Harish Rao defended KTR when his brother-in-law’s farmhouse was raided in October 2024, calling it a “politically motivated conspiracy.”
In December 2024, KTR stood by Harish Rao after he was implicated in a phone-tapping case, accusing Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of fabricating charges.
Meanwhile, Kavitha’s recent comments have added another layer of intrigue.
She hinted at “forces spreading canards” against her, leading to speculation about whether she was targeting Revanth Reddy or someone within BRS – possibly Harish Rao.
Her statement that “while Telangana achieved geographical statehood, the dream of a social Telangana remains unfulfilled” was interpreted by some as an indirect critique of her own party’s governance.
Besides, her demand for a Jyotirao Phule’s statue on the Assembly premises raised eyebrows, with critics questioning why such a move was not pursued during BRS’s decade-long rule.
KTR has long been seen as the heir apparent – especially after being named Working President in 2018.
But Harish Rao, KCR’s nephew and a seven-time MLA from Siddipet, remains a formidable grassroots leader.
His exclusion from the cabinet for nine months after BRS’s 2018 victory was seen by many as an attempt to curb his influence.
With Harish Rao now openly endorsing KTR’s leadership – without any hint of reluctance – questions arise: Is this a strategic alliance?
And if so, what does it mean for Kavitha’s political future?
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
