KCR attempts to regain lost ground by making a comeback as 'Telangana Bapu'

As KCR takes the reins of the BRS once again, the party faces the challenge of rejuvenating its demoralised cadre while preventing further leader loss.

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party suffered a significant setback when it lost the November 2023 assembly elections to Congress. As a result, the party is reverting to its foundational roots of political agitation to regain lost ground. BRS aims to harness the charisma of its leader, K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), who will be rebranded as 'Telangana Bapu' to steer the party through this turbulent period. This title is reminiscent of Mahatma Gandhi's revered legacy.

BRS is adopting a strategic shift to revive the spirit of the Telangana agitation era, signalling a return to aggressive campaigning and direct public engagement that initially brought the party to power. By highlighting KCR's instrumental role in the statehood movement, BRS seeks to galvanise its base and recapture the public's support. The party emphasises a return to the principles and tactics that once profoundly resonated with the electorate of Telangana.

The rebranding of KCR as 'Telangana Bapu' is not just a mere title but a strategic move aimed at invoking the spirit of Gandhi's leadership. This will reinforce KCR's pivotal role in leading the statehood movement and position him as a similar figure of liberation and renewal for Telangana. The Indian populace holds deep respect and affection for Gandhi, and this parallel will help KCR gain more support.

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The party recently unveiled a 49-second promotional video that is a linchpin of this new campaign. The video showcases archival footage of KCR during the heated days of the Telangana agitation, interspersing images of mass mobilisations, passionate speeches, and critical leadership moments. This potent symbolism is a recall of his past and a call to action for the present. It suggests that KCR, who once fervently fought for Telangana's rights, is at the forefront of its politics.

BRS's headquarters, Telangana Bhavan, is now adorned with banners and posters proclaiming KCR as 'Telangana Bapu'. Many party supporters and leaders draw parallels between KCR's and Gandhi's contributions to their respective movements. However, the party's situation is grounded in harsh political realities. Following the election loss, several key party leaders and supporters defected to Congress. Former Deputy CM Kadiyam Srihari's departure to Congress has significantly weakened the party's internal structure and morale.

BRS is fighting an external battle against political rivals and an internal one to stabilise and galvanise its cadre. Despite the challenges, the party has a strong base in rural and urban Telangana. Rival political parties have repeatedly tried to disintegrate us since 2001, and we have weathered every attempt with the people's unwavering support. BRS remains the only party that has Telangana's interests as its top priority.

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The political party is preparing for the upcoming parliamentary elections and strategically focusing on critical constituencies such as Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Nagarkurnool, Malkajgiri, and Secunderabad. These areas have a solid support base for the party and can be effectively mobilised. The party is also hopeful for the Chevelle, Warangal, and Zaheerabad constituencies, leveraging the discontent among certain sections of the electorate and the perceived failures of the Congress government to fulfill its promises.

Former Minister T. Harish Rao has noted the growing dissatisfaction among the people, pointing out that the Congress leaders had made numerous promises during the Assembly elections, including significant agricultural loan waivers that were supposed to be implemented within the first 100 days of their government but have remained unfulfilled even after four months.

Although some leaders have left the party to explore other opportunities, BRS believes its core strengths lie in having a solid cadre-based organisation, several committed leaders, and growing discontent among farmers due to the lack of irrigation water, resulting in large areas of withering land.

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As KCR takes the reins of the BRS once again, the party faces the challenge of rejuvenating its demoralised cadre while preventing further leader loss. Additionally, the party must confront the resurgent Congress and BJP. The return to its foundational strategies, exemplified by the portrayal of KCR as 'Telangana Bapu', is a carefully calculated risk designed to unite the party's traditional base and regain its lost influence in Telangana's volatile political landscape.