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Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao

Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao
Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao is a prominent Indian politician from Telangana, widely recognised for leading the movement that resulted in the formation of the state in 2014 and serving as its first Chief Minister.

Founder of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), he has also been MLA for Gajwel and held positions in both state and national politics.

As of 2026, he continues to serve as the Leader of the Opposition in the Telangana Legislative Assembly and remains influential in regional political strategy and party affairs.
By Rashmi | Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 11:09:51 AM [IST]

Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao Biography

Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao was born on 17 February 1954 in Chintamadaka village of Medak district in present‑day Telangana. He studied at Osmania University, earning a Master’s degree in Telugu literature. Early in his political life, he joined the Youth Congress, and later moved to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), where he served as an MLA from Siddipet multiple times before resigning in 2001 to champion the cause of a separate Telangana state.

In 2001, Rao founded the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) with the central aim of securing statehood for Telangana, leading sustained grassroots agitation and negotiations that eventually culminated in the creation of Telangana on 2 June 2014. His leadership during the movement earned him widespread recognition in the region.

After statehood was granted, Rao became the first Chief Minister of Telangana, serving from June 2014 until December 2023 through multiple terms, overseeing major state‑level policies and administrative initiatives. He was instrumental in shaping early governance structures, social welfare schemes, and regional infrastructure projects.

Following the end of his tenure as Chief Minister, Rao transitioned to opposition politics and was formally recognised as the Leader of the Opposition in the Telangana Legislative Assembly in December 2023.

As of 2026, he continues in that role, leading his party’s legislative strategy, critiquing policies of the state government, and remaining a central figure in Telangana’s political landscape.

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Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao Personal Life

Full Name Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao
Date of Birth 17 Feb 1954 (Age 72)
Place of Birth Siddipeta, Telangana
Party Name Bharat Rashtra Samithi
Education Graduate
Profession Politician
Father's Name Raghavar Rao
Mother's Name Venkatamma
Spouse's Name Shobha
Children 1 Son(s) 1 Daughter(s)
Religion Hindu
Caste Velama

Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao Net Worth

Net Worth
₹7.28 CRORE
ASSETS
₹15.16 CRORE
Liabilities
₹7.88 CRORE
Education Qualification of Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao
Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao holds an M.A. degree in Telugu literature from Osmania University, Hyderabad.

Interesting Facts about Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao

KCR was involved in social work and strived for the upliftment of the downtrodden and poor; some of the works undertaken include (i) a Massive tree plantation scheme worth one crore rupees, undertaken in Karimnagar in 2004; (ii) the Construction of several homes for Muslim minorities; (iii) Supply of drinking water to 145 habitats affected by floods in Siddipet constituency. In his free time, he plays badminton. Rao is a staunch believer in astrology, numerology, and Vaastu. He always consults experts before fixing the time for important inaugurations. Number 'Six' is believed to be his lucky number.

Political Timeline of Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao

  • 2026: Continues as Leader of the Opposition and senior BRS figure involved in strategic planning and regional political discourse.
  • 2024-2025: Spearheaded BRS party activities; publicly criticised rival parties and formed strategic opposition positions in state politics. For example, he made a high‑profile speech denouncing Congress at the BRS Silver Jubilee in 2025.
  • 2023: KCR successfully contested from the Gajwel constituency and registered a win against Kamareddy of BJP. Whereas he lost the election against BJP candidate Katipally Venkata Ramana Reddy from Kamareddy constituency.
  • 2019: Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao became the first Chief Minister of the state of Telangana. He served this post till December 2023.
  • 2018: On 6 September 2018, he dissolved the TRS government in the state and resigned from the CM post. After which the President's Rule was enforced in the state.
  • 2014: After the separation of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh, he successfully contested the Assembly elections from Gajwel and Medak. Moreover, he was elected to Lok Sabha Also in the 16th Lok Sabha Elections. But he resigned from LS and became chief minister of Telangana.
  • 2009: He was elected to Lok Sabha from Mahabubnagar by defeating Devarakonda Vittal Rao (INC). Also, he became the Leader of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi Parliamentary Party, Lok Sabha. And then Member, Standing Committee on Energy, and Member, Rules Committee.
  • 2008: Resigned from the Lok Sabha on 3 March 2008. Again elected as MP in 2008 by-polls.
  • 2006: He resigned from the Lok Sabha on 23 Sept. 2006. Then re-elected to the 14th Lok Sabha in a by-election on 7 Dec 2006 from the same constituency.
  • 2004: He was elected to the 14th Lok Sabha from Karimnagar. He defeated Chennamaneni Vidyasagar Rao (BJP). Later, he became the Union Cabinet Minister of Labour and Employment.
  • 2003: He served as Convenor, New States National Front.
  • 2001: He resigned from the Telugu Desam Party, Office of Deputy Speaker and as M.L.A. in 2001 and launched the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (T.R.S.). Also, he successfully contested the Andhra Pradesh Assembly Elections.
  • 1999: He was elected to the Assembly and became Deputy Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 1999-2001.
  • 1997: He was Cabinet Minister, Transport, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh from 1997 to 2000.
  • 1995: Member, Committee on Public Undertakings (1995 - 96).
  • 1994: He was again elected as MLA from Siddipet.
  • 1993: State Secretary, Telugu Desam Party (T.D.P.) till 1994.
  • 1992: Chairman, Committee on Public Undertakings for one year.
  • 1989: He was re-elected to the Assembly from Siddipet by defeating Ananthula Madan Mohan of INC. Later, he became District Party President of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) from 1989 to 1993.
  • 1988: Minister of Drought, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh (1988 - 89).
  • 1987: Minister of State, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh (1987-88).
  • 1985: He was elected to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly as MLA from Siddipet constituency. He defeated T. Mahender Reddy of INC.
  • 1983: KCR joined the Telugu Desam Party.
  • 1982: KCR was elected as the Chairman of Raghavapur Primary Agriculture Cooperative Society (P.A.C.S.), Siddipet. Simultaneously, he became Vice President of the Youth Congress.
  • 1980: KCR joined the Andhra Pradesh Youth Congress under the guidance of Sanjay Gandhi.

Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao Achievements

Popular Choice Award at CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 2014.
Agricultural Leadership Award 2017.

Election Results of Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao

Year Election Type Constituency Result
2018 Telangana Assembly election MLA Gajwel Won
2014 Telangana Assembly election MLA Gajwel Won

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs on Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao)

  • Does Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao have criminal cases?
    Yes, Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao has 64 criminal cases as of 2018.
  • Is Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao married?
    Yes, Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao is married to Shobha Chandrashekhar.
  • What is the caste of K Chandrashekar Rao?
    K Chandrashekar Rao belongs to the Velama caste.
  • From which party does K Chandrashekar Rao belong to?
    K Chandrashekar Rao belongs to the Bharat Rashtra Samithi.
  • What is the qualification of KCR?
    KCR holds an M.A. degree in Telugu literature from Osmania University, Hyderabad.
  • What is the full name of KCR?
    KCR's full name is Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao.
  • Who is Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao?
    Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao is the current Chief Minister of Telangana since 2014.

Disclaimer:The information provided on this page is sourced from various publicly available platforms including https://en.wikipedia.org/, https://sansad.in/ls, https://sansad.in/rs, https://pib.gov.in/, https://affidavit.eci.gov.in/ and the official websites of state assemblies respectively. While we make every effort to maintain the accuracy, comprehensiveness and timeliness of the information provided, we cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy or reliability of the content. The data presented here has been compiled without consideration of the objectives or opinions of individuals who may access it.

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