The opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which is seeking to return to power in the next Telangana elections by highlighting what it describes as the failures of the Congress government, appears to be hurting its own prospects with some of its recent strategies.
While political observers generally see aggressive criticism of the government as a natural role for an opposition party, the manner in which the BRS and some of its senior leaders are conducting their campaign has become a subject of debate in political circles.
In particular, the way former ministers and key BRS leaders K T Rama Rao (KTR) and T. Harish Rao are handling the party has raised questions over whether their approach is improving the party’s prospects or damaging them.
Sections within the BRS are reportedly of the view that some recent statements and actions by the two leaders may be causing more political damage than benefit.
The issue has gained greater significance during the ongoing Assembly sessions, where confrontations between BRS leaders and the ruling Congress have intensified.
Critics argue that KTR and Harish Rao appear to be continuing with a style of politics associated with the Telangana movement period, even though the political and social environment has changed considerably since the formation of the state.
The BRS governed Telangana for a decade, and the conduct of its leaders during that period continues to influence how the party is perceived by voters.
KTR has repeatedly said that the Gen Z generation is closely watching the performance of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s government.
However, critics argue that the same younger generation is also watching the behaviour of BRS leaders during recent political protests.
One incident that drew attention involved former minister Harish Rao removing his T-shirt in front of the Assembly during a protest, in the presence of women police personnel and women legislators.
KTR and other BRS legislators have also faced criticism over their alleged aggressive conduct towards police personnel during protests. Those critical of the BRS argue that young voters, including the Gen Z demographic repeatedly referred to by KTR, may not respond positively to such behaviour.
At the same time, there is little dispute that the BRS has the political right to question the Congress government over its performance, including alleged governance failures and delays in implementing electoral promises.
The controversy was further fuelled by remarks made by BRS MLC Tata Madhu against Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar. The remarks were widely criticised as inappropriate and unacceptable.
Despite video recordings of the incident, BRS leaders KTR and Harish Rao reportedly argued that the MLC had not made the remarks in the manner alleged or that they were not directed at the Speaker.
Another controversy concerns an incident at the farmhouse associated with BRS president and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao.
Congress leaders and workers reportedly staged a protest near the farmhouse, following which the area was subjected to a ritual involving turmeric water.
The incident also triggered political criticism, with sections of the BRS reportedly concerned that such actions could distract from the party’s campaign against the Congress government.
According to some within the BRS, KTR and Harish Rao should focus more on highlighting the government’s shortcomings, unfulfilled promises and administrative failures, rather than engaging in actions that could put the party on the defensive.
The absence of KCR from several Assembly sessions has also become a point of criticism. He has largely remained at his farmhouse, according to the political narrative surrounding the issue, despite the Assembly meeting only for limited periods.
Analysts argue that this could send the wrong political message at a time when the BRS is trying to establish itself as an effective opposition.
“The central political challenge for the BRS is not merely to attack the Congress government, but also to convince voters that it can function as a responsible and effective opposition,” an analyst said.
