Prominent BRS Leader Keshav Rao Mulls Over Returning to Congress

In a significant political development from Hyderabad, senior BRS leader and Rajya Sabha member K Keshav Rao is reportedly considering a return to the Congress party. This news comes amidst a wave of defections from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), formerly known as the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), following its defeat in the 2023 Assembly elections. Keshav Rao, who had a stint as the state Congress president in undivided Andhra Pradesh before joining BRS in 2013, is said to be contemplating this move back to his former party.

Adding to the political stir, sources indicate that Keshav Rao's daughter, Vijaya Laxmi R Gadwal, who currently serves as the Mayor of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), is also expected to join the Congress on March 30. However, Keshav Rao's son, K Viplav Kumar, has distanced himself from these developments. In a statement, he affirmed his allegiance to BRS and expressed his unwavering support for the leadership of K Chandrasekhar Rao, the party's chief.

The potential shift of allegiance by key figures such as Keshav Rao and his daughter could mark a significant realignment in Telangana's political landscape. This comes at a time when BRS is grappling with internal challenges following its electoral setback. Notably, BRS MLA Danam Nagender has already made the switch to Congress, while two party MPs, B B Patil and P Ramulu, have joined the BJP.

K Viplav Kumar's statement highlighted his personal decision to remain with BRS despite the ongoing political turbulence. "I am very clear that I am not changing the party and am a strong supporter of BRS and have a great belief in the leadership of our leader KCR garu...I will be able talk more only after their (Keshav Rao and Vijaya Laxmi) confirmation of joining the Congress," he said.

This series of defections underscores a period of introspection for BRS as it navigates through its post-election challenges. The decisions by prominent members such as Keshav Rao and potentially his daughter to return to Congress could further impact the party's efforts to consolidate its position in Telangana's political arena.