Hyderabad: With BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) Chief K Chandrashekar Rao no longer focusing on politics in other states, party leaders in Maharashtra have decided to contest the upcoming elections under a new name—Maharashtra Rajya Samithi (MRS). They plan to join forces with farmer organizations for this effort.
Initially, the Maharashtra leaders had high hopes after KCR announced plans to enter national politics by changing his party’s name from TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samithi) to BRS. The party had ambitious plans in Maharashtra, launching a membership drive that registered 20 lakh (2 million) members across 288 Assembly constituencies. BRS also organized large public meetings in cities like Chatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) and Nanded.
However, things changed after BRS lost the Telangana Assembly elections in 2023. KCR shifted his focus back to state politics, leaving the Maharashtra leaders uncertain. Although they were initially assured by KCR that BRS would contest the Maharashtra elections, no further communication came from him as the election date approached.
Due to the lack of response from KCR, some leaders left the party. Those who remained decided to move forward under the new name, Maharashtra Rajya Samithi (MRS), and plan to ally with the Maharashtra Parivartan Front and farmer groups. They aim to contest at least 80 seats, especially in areas near Telangana.
A senior leader from Maharashtra expressed concern over the delay, saying, “We waited for a decision from the party chief, but since there was no response, we have decided to contest under MRS.” He added that the issues the party focused on, particularly those related to farmers, have resonated well with the public, which encouraged them to take this step. While some leaders left due to the delay in decision-making, those who stayed were eager to contest the elections under the new banner.
The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with the results expected on November 23.
