Brotherhood' in TRS takes a beating in Nizamabad

NIZAMABAD: Only few leaders call TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao fondly as ‘Anna’ (elder brother). Interestingly, Rao also affectionately calls them “Thammi” (younger brother). Minister G. Jagadish Reddy, former minister Etala Rajendar and former MLA Enugu Ravinder Reddy were prominent among them.

In a changed political scenario, both Rajendar and Ravinder Reddy have left the TRS. The strong brotherhood bond with Chandrasekhar Rao that grew during the second phase of Telangana statehood movement is now disturbed.  

Ravinder Reddy left the TRS stating that he will not be able to digest the humiliation in the party. He severed his two-decade association with the TRS on Friday. He and his followers will join the BJP after June 10.

Following his resignation, political equations have changed in undivided Nizamabad district. His followers said that TRS leadership adopted a ‘use and throw’ policy and dampened the former MLA’s spirit after his defeat in 2018 Assembly elections. How can the high command ignore a four-time MLA, they fumed. 

During the last municipal elections, the TRS leadership ignored him while selecting candidates. Unable to digest the humiliation, Ravinder Reddy went abroad during the local body elections. He also stayed away during the party membership drive.

Political observers said that TRS high command should give priority to Yellareddy MLA Jajala Surender, who switched over from the Congress.