The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is facing a tough political situation ahead of the Teacher MLC elections in Karimnagar, Medak, Nizamabad, and Adilabad. Surprisingly, the party has decided not to field a candidate, which has led to confusion among party members. Many are struggling to understand why former Chief Minister KCR chose not to participate in these elections.
Party members are particularly puzzled because these districts are represented by key BRS leaders, including KCR, KTR, Harish Rao, Kavitha, and former ministers Gangula Kamalakar and Vemula Prashanth Reddy. The decision to stay out of the elections has raised many questions within the party.
Former Karimnagar Mayor Sardar Ravinder Singh, who previously served as Chairman of the Telangana Civil Supply Corporation, had hoped the party would contest directly. Additionally, former IMA President Dr. B.N. Rao and former TRASMA President Yadagiri Shekhar Rao had already started campaigning, expecting to secure a nomination.
However, their expectations were shattered when BRS leaders announced that the party would not contest and advised them to stop campaigning. Despite this, Yadagiri Shekhar Rao has decided to run as an independent candidate, and Ravinder Singh is also prepared to contest independently.
One possible reason for BRS staying out of the race is the lingering dissatisfaction among graduates and teachers. Even after a year of losing power, resentment against the party has not faded. Reports suggest that the decision not to contest was based on feedback from these groups.
During its ten-year rule, BRS faced criticism for delays in government job recruitment and exam paper leaks, including for the Group 1 exam. Additionally, teachers’ unions have raised concerns about unfair transfers under GO 317, lack of promotions for a decade, and delayed salary payments. These issues have contributed to the negative sentiment against the party.
Considering these factors, senior BRS leaders believe it is best to avoid contesting the MLC elections for graduates and teachers. There are also concerns that a loss in this election could negatively impact the party’s chances in upcoming local body elections.
Meanwhile, ministers supporting Alphores Narender Reddy’s nomination have criticized BRS, stating that the party avoided the election due to a secret understanding with the BJP. They also claimed that public support for BRS has significantly declined.
Interestingly, BRS also did not contest the Karimnagar Graduate MLC elections in 2019. At the time, the Group Officers Association supported Mamilla Chandrasekhar Goud, but Congress candidate Jeevan Reddy ultimately won the election.
