Hyderabad: Eye on 2028 polls, KTR plans 2027 padayatra; admits BRS gaps, rules out BJP tie-up

Mancherial: Eye on 2028 Assembly polls, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) on Sunday announced that he would undertake a statewide padayatra in 2027 in a bid to reconnect with people and rebuild the party organisation.

He also made it clear that the party would contest independently, ruling out alliances.

No alliances, focus on independent comeback

Addressing the media at Kyathanpalli in Mancherial district, KTR said alliances had not worked for the party in the past.

“We will contest alone and return to power,” he asserted, ruling out any tie-up with the BJP.

Delimitation may open new opportunities

On the proposed delimitation exercise, KTR said an increase in Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies could create fresh political opportunities.

He maintained that there would be no objection if proportional representation of states is preserved and seat expansion is uniform across the country.

Winnability key in ticket allocation

Outlining the party’s electoral strategy, he said candidate selection would be based strictly on winnability. “There will be no hesitation in making tough decisions,” he said, indicating possible leadership changes in the Godavari belt to improve prospects.

Admits gaps during BRS rule

In a candid assessment, KTR acknowledged shortcomings during the BRS government’s tenure. He said the party failed to maintain strong coordination with grassroots leaders, including cadres, sarpanches, MPTCs, and mandal-level representatives.

He also admitted that despite significant migration from the north Telangana districts, the government could not evolve a comprehensive Gulf policy.

Targets Congress over welfare, governance

Launching a sharp attack on the Congress government led by A. Revanth Reddy, KTR alleged improper implementation of key welfare schemes such as Rythu Bandhu and farm loan waivers.

He also flagged delays in fee reimbursement for students and claimed that public confidence in the government was declining.

Raises concerns over irrigation, Singareni

KTR criticised fund allocation to the Pranahita project despite objections from Maharashtra and demanded early completion of the Chennur lift irrigation scheme.

On Singareni, he said expansion of opencast mining was affecting employment and leading to worker dissatisfaction. He announced plans to revamp the TBGKS union and promote new leadership.

BJP under fire over unmet promises

Taking on the BJP, KTR alleged that its leaders failed to bring promised funds after electoral wins in Karimnagar and accused them of projecting development as driven by a single leader.

Membership drive, organisational push

The BRS will launch a membership drive in May and June, followed by cadre training programmes, he said.

KTR expressed confidence that the induction of senior leader Jeevan Reddy would strengthen the party in the erstwhile Karimnagar region.

No factionalism, loyalty to KCR

Dismissing reports of internal rifts, KTR said all leaders were united under the leadership of K. Chandrashekar Rao.

“There are no internal differences. Everyone is working for KCR,” he said, adding that he would carry out any responsibility assigned to him.

Padayatra aimed at reconnecting with people

KTR admitted that a gap had developed between the party and the public during its decade in power.

He said the proposed padayatra would help bridge this gap through direct engagement, expressing confidence that the BRS would stage a strong comeback in the next elections.