BJP MLA Expresses Disappointment Over Reports of N Ramachander Rao’s Appointment as Telangana BJP Chief
N Ramachander Rao has been selected as the new president of the BJP Telangana unit.
The party’s central leadership reportedly directed him to file his nomination at 2 pm on Monday, June 30. With no other contenders in the fray, his election is expected to be unanimous.
The decision comes as a surprise, as Eatala Rajender was widely seen as the frontrunner for the role. However, the BJP is known for surprising choices when it comes to key leadership positions.
RSS Influence Behind Ramachander Rao’s Selection
Sources indicate that Ramachander Rao’s appointment came after a section of Telangana RSS leaders and one faction within the party recommended his name.
Known for his deep RSS roots, Rao started his political journey through ABVP and has remained a committed BJP leader ever since.
Though he belongs to the Brahmin community, party leaders believe he is acceptable to all sections.
His appointment is seen as a move to stabilise the party until the next elections, which are over three years away. Before the polls, the BJP may opt for a BC leader to lead the party.
His appointment also ends months of speculation about the next BJP Telangana president. Along with Rajender, other names like Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind and Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar were in consideration.
Other Leaders Ruled Out Due to Internal Opposition
The BJP assessed other possible candidates but each faced opposition from different party groups.
If Eatala Rajender were appointed, Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s faction would likely oppose the move. Similarly, Rajender and Union Minister Kishan Reddy were not in favour of Sanjay Kumar’s return.
Even Dharmapuri Arvind faced resistance within the party. However, Ramachander Rao was seen as an acceptable choice to most factions, making him the natural selection.
Eatala Rajender’s long association with the BRS and recent controversies surrounding his alleged involvement in the Kaleshwaram project also played a role in the decision to pass him over.
PVN Madhav Likely to Head BJP Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, former MLC PVN Madhav is expected to be appointed the new BJP state president. He will likely replace incumbent and Rajahmundry MP Daggubati Purandeswari.
Sources suggest that Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan favoured Madhav’s appointment to ensure smooth coordination within the NDA alliance, particularly with Jana Sena and TDP.
Raja Singh Resigns After Rao’s Appointment
Meanwhile, BJP MLA T Raja Singh announced his resignation from the party following Ramachander Rao’s appointment as state president.
Singh expressed disappointment with the leadership’s decision, stating that the party missed a golden opportunity to come to power in Telangana.
In a letter to BJP leader G Kishan Reddy, Singh wrote, “Unfortunately, it appears that some individuals, driven by personal interests, have misled the Central leadership and taken decisions by running the show from behind the curtain.”
He also claimed that grassroots workers felt sidelined and unheard. Singh had earlier released a video stating that many party workers wanted him to be the state president and had urged the party leadership to give him a chance to serve.
He also promised that if BJP came to power, he would set up a dedicated cow protection wing similar to Uttar Pradesh under Yogi Adityanath.
Despite his resignation, Singh clarified that he remains committed to the Hindutva ideology.
Singh Targets Bandi Sanjay Kumar
Raja Singh’s statements are seen as indirect criticism of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar.
Reports suggest that Ramachander Rao was chosen for the top post at Sanjay Kumar’s behest, with the possibility of Sanjay returning as state president closer to the elections.
Singh was earlier suspended from the BJP for making derogatory remarks about the Prophet during Sanjay Kumar’s term as state president. He was re-inducted into the party shortly before the Telangana Assembly elections.
Rao’s Political Background
Born on April 27, 1959, Naraparaju Ramachander Rao served as MLC representing the Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, and Mahabubnagar Graduates’ Constituency from 2015 to 2021. He is also a member of the Bar Council of India.
Rao entered politics during the Emergency period. During his student years, he was elected president of the Students’ Union for three consecutive years at Railway Degree College, affiliated with the ABVP.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Railway Degree College, Secunderabad, and a Master of Arts in Political Science from Osmania University.
Rao previously served as BJP spokesperson for undivided Andhra Pradesh and later as Hyderabad unit president.
He lost the 2009 MLC election for the Graduates’ Constituency and the 2014 assembly election from the Malkajgiri seat by a narrow margin.
