In the political arena of Telangana, there is extensive speculation that Kalvakuntla Kavitha, an MLC and prominent member of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) as well as the daughter of former Chief Minister Kalvakuntla Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), could be on the verge of forming her own political party. This development takes place alongside speculation about a growing familial conflict within the KCR clan and a shifting political landscape in the state that BRS governed twice, concurrently (2014-2018 and 2018-2023).
What Is The “Clash” Point?
The developments in the BRS chief KCR family, especially the publicized differences between Kalvakuntla Kavitha and her brother, the party's working president K.T. Rama Rao, have become the subject of discussion as the "Brother-Sister War".
According to most analysts and media reports, this appears to be mainly an internal power struggle within the BRS party and the KCR family. At a time when KTR is considered the heir to KCR, Kavitha is also aspiring for an important position and influence in the party, and it seems that these developments are taking place in that order. Kavitha's own letter to KCR (revealed in May 2025), her comments (May 2025) that she is not getting enough importance in the party and that some "demon" is surrounding KCR, are considered evidence of this internal struggle. A major argument is that Kavitha herself is following this strategy for her political future and a key role in the party.
Involvement of Political Rivals!
Speculations roaming around ruling Congress party about its role in the internal conflict in BRS. Some BRS and BJP leaders have alleged that the Congress party is behind these developments. KTR indirectly commented that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has "coverts" in BRS, and BJP leaders like Bandi Sanjay described it as a "Congress-directed drama". However, Congress leaders dismissed it as an internal matter of BRS.
Kavitha's mention of the party's soft stance towards BJP in her letter, and her concern that this is a sign of future alliances, has led to a debate about the influence of external forces on the party's internal strategies. Kavitha herself said that she wrote the letter to KCR reflecting the shortcomings in the party and the sentiments of the field-level workers. She criticized the lack of internal democracy in the party and that some people are building barriers around KCR and alienating him from the workers. In this regard, some also believe that this is her own attempt to reform the party.
There is also criticism that KTR's leadership style and his attempts to gain complete control over the party are making seniors and even his own younger sister unhappy. Some are also analyzing this as a reason for the current situation.
Idea Of Strengthening Jagruthi?
Kavitha's recent initiatives, including the establishment of "Singareni Jagruthi," an organization focused on the welfare of coal miners with clear political undertones, and a direct letter to her father regarding the BRS's functioning and ideological direction, have heightened these conjectures. Her public comments suggesting she feels "surrounded by devils" within the party have heightened speculation about her future plans. Political analysts suggest that Kavitha, while working to carve out her own political identity, might be considering the formation of a new party centred on social justice and youth empowerment, potentially leveraging her "Samajika Telangana" (Social Justice in Telangana) initiative. This comes particularly after her latest legal troubles and perceived marginalization within the BRS, where her brother K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) is viewed as KCR's successor. These potential realignments are taking place against the backdrop of Telangana's turbulent political history, marked by a prolonged struggle for statehood.
KCR’s Fight for Separate State
The "Struggle for Telangana," advocating for a separate Telangana state apart from Andhra Pradesh, has roots that extend over many decades. The region, previously under the Nizam Rule (Princely state of Hyderabad), merged into Andhra State in 1956, and forming Andhra Pradesh based on linguistic factors.
However, problems swiftly arose among the people of Telangana regarding perceived inequities in resource allocation, employment opportunities, and political representation in administrations headed by leaders from the Andhra area. The movement for a sovereign state underwent multiple phases of increased activism. Initial Activity & the 1969 Unrest…in the first phase, there were protests and demands for upholding "Mulki Rules" (local hiring for locals). This discontent peaked in 1969 during the "Jai Telangana" movement, marked by significant student participation and sporadic violent confrontations, leading to a substantial number of casualties. Lull and Revival: For many years, the movement stayed relatively subdued, even though the fundamental issues persisted. The early 2000s marked a significant resurgence.
KCR's Ascent and the Formation of Telangana
The revival and eventual success of the Telangana movement are intrinsically linked to Kalvakuntla Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR). The TRS was established in 2001. KCR resigned from his position as Deputy Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly and departed from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). He established the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) with the exclusive aim of achieving statehood for Telangana. KCR employed tactics within the political sphere, forming alliances at different times with national parties like Congress and BJP to keep the Telangana matter prominent. His leadership was characterized by persuasive speeches, extensive mobilization, and strategic political tactics. He participated in hunger strikes, organized major protests, and articulated the aspirations of the Telangana people. After years of relentless striving, numerous sacrifices by activists, intense political debates, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre initiated the process to create Telangana.
Telangana was formed as the 29th state of India on June 2, 2014, with K. Chandrasekhar Rao as its first Chief Minister. With his guidance, the TRS excelled in the assembly elections. KCR became the undeniable leader of the new state, acknowledged for realizing the enduring dream of an independent Telangana. His party, the BRS (formerly TRS), won a second term with a strong mandate in 2018. The BRS's loss in the 2023 Assembly elections to the Congress party has likely heightened the internal dynamics of the Kalvakuntla family.
Kavitha’s Detainment in Delhi Liquor Scam
On March 15, 2024, Kavitha was detained by the Enforcement Directorate and later by the CBI related to the Delhi liquor scam, accused of being a significant part of the "South Group" that purportedly paid ₹100 crore in bribes for favourable liquor licenses—claims she disputes and for which she was eventually granted bail in August 2024. Although her arrest came following the BRS's loss in the November 2023 Telangana assembly elections, the earlier public discussions regarding these corruption charges against a notable family member probably fuelled the anti-incumbency feelings and adverse views that influenced the party's defeat. This legal dispute is broadly viewed as worsening an on-going, though frequently unacknowledged, familial conflict within KCR's family, especially regarding political succession and power, underscored by Kavitha's recent sharply worded letter to her father in which she mourned being encircled by "devils" and voiced dissatisfaction with the party's position, implying her detention could have deepened her determination to claim her political territory.
During this crisis, the BRS has strongly denounced Kavitha's arrest as a politically driven act of vengeance by the BJP-led Central government, alleging that it is exploiting federal agencies like the ED and CBI to intimidate and undermine opposition figures and KCR's family, especially timing interventions to hinder their political efforts and damage their reputation.
Present Family Feud
Lately, however, reports of rifts within KCR's family have begun to surface following losses in the 2023 Assembly and 2024 Parliament elections. Kavitha is rising as a leader of dissent by articulating her criticisms of BRS clearly. Kavitha, a former Member of Parliament and currently a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), holds her own political views. In her most recent correspondence to KCR, she reportedly expressed worries regarding the party's trajectory, emphasizing its apparent tolerance towards the BJP and a lack of internal democracy, where "an exclusive circle has formed a blockade around the leader." Her remarks about "demons and coverts" surrounding KCR are widely interpreted as a veiled critique directed at influential figures in the party, possibly including her brother KTR.
Kavitha Vs KTR…Politics of Succession
The topic of KCR's political successor has been discussed for some time, with KTR, the BRS Working President and a notable leader, considered the top contender. Kavitha's recently developed assertiveness is seen by some as a challenge to the current order of succession or an attempt to secure a more significant position for her-self. The alleged conflict, mainly seen as between KTR (son) and K. Kavitha (daughter of KCR), places other senior family members such as Harish Rao in an awkward situation. His noticeable tendency is to largely stay "salient" or neutral in these internal family issues, at least in public.
Trouble-Shooter in Salient Mode
This is a keen insight into T. Harish Rao's role in the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the intricate relationships within the KCR family. It's a commonly debated topic in Telangana politics. Harish Rao, the nephew of KCR, is undoubtedly a prominent leader in the BRS. He is known as a "trouble-shooter," a capable administrator (demonstrated during his ministerial roles), and a leader with strong grassroots connections and popularity among the public and party members. His significant engagement in the Telangana statehood movement and extensive political career has reinforced his position. Given his skills, widespread backing, and experience, political analysts and some within the party frequently view Harish Rao as a prominent and fitting candidate for leadership, potentially succeeding KCR. Previously, his name often arose in conversations regarding the future leadership of the party. Nonetheless, KCR has prominently showcased his son, K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), as his political successor by designating him as the BRS Working President. This action has primarily established the official order of succession in KTR's favour, at least for now.
What Next for BRS…?
The BRS, now in opposition, faces the challenge of regrouping and contesting the ruling Congress. Internal conflicts and potential splits might further weaken the party. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether the predictions regarding Kavitha's new political venture become reality. This shift could significantly alter the political scene in Telangana, potentially leading to a three-way contest in future elections and marking a new era in the state’s dynamic political narrative, which was born from a robust advocacy for autonomy and identity.
Although this appears to be mainly a result of internal power dynamics and personal aspirations within the KCR family and the BRS party, there are also allegations that political opponents are trying to manipulate this in their favour.
