BRS Faces Challenges in 2025 After a Tough 2024
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which had a challenging 2024, is gearing up for another tough year. With panchayat and local body elections, including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) polls, scheduled for 2025, the party faces several hurdles.
The BRS, which ruled Telangana for two consecutive terms from 2014 to 2023, experienced significant setbacks in 2024. The party faced a crushing defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, failing to win a single seat. It also suffered from internal issues, including the defection of its MLAs to the Congress and the arrest of K Kavitha, daughter of party chief K Chandrashekar Rao, in a money-laundering case. Kavitha spent nearly five months in jail, further tarnishing the party’s image.
Party leaders remain cautiously optimistic about 2025, but they acknowledge the challenges ahead. A senior leader pointed out that the first hurdle will be the panchayat elections. The party is facing criticism from the public over the implementation of its six guarantees. Competing against opponents with significant financial and political influence will be a daunting task.
In Hyderabad, the BRS must replicate its strong performance from the 2023 Assembly elections. However, the political landscape in the city has shifted after key MLAs such as T Prakash Goud (Rajendranagar), Arikepudi Gandhi (Serilingampally), and D Nagender (Khairatabad) left the party. The GHMC elections will be a test of whether the people of Hyderabad still support the BRS.
Another pressing issue for the party is retaining its MLAs. Several legislators have already switched to the Congress, and there is speculation that more may follow. Despite this, the BRS leadership remains hopeful that its remaining MLAs will stay loyal to the party.
KT Rama Rao, the working president of the BRS, announced on Wednesday that the party plans to approach the Supreme Court regarding the defections. He expressed confidence that by-elections will take place in the state this year, giving the BRS an opportunity to regain lost ground.
To rebuild its strength, the BRS leadership is working to reconnect with its grassroots cadre. Many party workers reportedly felt sidelined during the party’s rule, which affected morale. Adding to the confusion is speculation about K Chandrashekar Rao stepping back from active politics. However, KT Rama Rao reassured party members that KCR would return to the political forefront at the right time.
As the BRS navigates these challenges, 2025 will be a critical year for the party to prove its resilience and reconnect with its supporters.
