Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president KT Rama Rao has indicated that the party may not allow MLAs who allegedly defected to the Congress to return—even if they wish to come back. Over the past year, 10 BRS MLAs switched loyalties, with a few occasionally claiming they are still part of the BRS.
The party has petitioned the Supreme Court to disqualify these legislators, citing inaction by the Telangana assembly speaker. The court reserved its verdict on the matter in early April.

“In my opinion, those who defected should not be taken back, even if they plead. The party must respect the sentiments of grassroots workers who oppose their return. We’ve already started nurturing new leadership in their constituencies,” KTR said during an informal media interaction on Friday. “But ultimately, the party will take a call on such matters at the appropriate time,” he added.
KTR criticised chief minister A Revanth Reddy for stating on the assembly floor that there would be no by-elections in the constituencies, despite the matter being sub judice in the Supreme Court.
Responding to the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) report on the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages under the Kaleshwaram project, KTR clarified: “This is an NDSA report, not an NDA govt report. Why did the state govt sit on it for four months after receiving it in Dec 2024? Their goal is to target the BRS, especially now as we approach the party’s 25th anniversary.”
He also questioned the Centre’s selective response. “Why did the Centre immediately send a team when block 7 of Medigadda sank, but showed no urgency when the SLBC tunnel roof collapsed, or when the Sunkishala retaining wall and the Peddavagu bund gave way?”
Preparing for upcoming polls
KTR confirmed that the BRS is preparing to contest upcoming local body or GHMC elections, with the Congress as its primary rival, not the BJP.
He said the BRS, as the principal opposition, has regained public trust over the last 17 months. Telangana Bhavan, the party’s headquarters, is now being referred to as a ‘Janata Garage’, with various groups like the Lagacharla and Musi victims, HYDRAA, University of Hyderabad students, and Group I aspirants seeking its support.
Public meet on Apr 27
As the party marks 25 years since its formation, it will hold a silver jubilee public meeting at Elkaturthy in Warangal district on April 27, where party president K Chandrasekhar Rao is expected to address the gathering.