Glasshouse
Here is this week's Glasshouse
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), formerly known as the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), is a prominent Indian political party primarily active in Telangana. Founded by K. Chandrashekar Rao on April 27, 2001, its primary goal was to achieve separate statehood for Telangana with Hyderabad as its capital. The party gained significant momentum through sustained agitation efforts, culminating in the formation of the first Telangana state government in 2014, with K. Chandrashekar Rao as Chief Minister. In the same year, it also became the eighth-largest party in the Lok Sabha, winning 11 seats in the general election.
The BRS achieved another landslide victory in the 2018 Telangana Legislative Assembly election, securing a second term in office. However, its performance in the 2019 general election saw a slight decline, with the party winning nine Lok Sabha seats. Despite this, the party maintains a significant presence in the Rajya Sabha, holding seven seats as of February 2023.
In a strategic move to expand its influence beyond Telangana, the party officially changed its name to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) on October 5, 2022.
Here is this week's Glasshouse
Barred Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) legislators staged a mock Assembly at Telangana Bhavan and replayed House proceedings. The protest was meant to press issues the party said were being denied a hearing in the Assembly.
KT Rama Rao accused both the Congress and BJP of shielding those involved in alleged irregularities and demanded a judicial probe headed by a sitting judge into what he described as a Rs 1,600 crore coal scam.
At a Press Club Hyderabad event, KTR alleged repeated betrayals by the Congress and claimed the state has regressed after significant progress under the previous BRS government.
BRS MLA Devireddy Sudheer Reddy appeared before the media in the visually striking get-up, alleging a complete failure in preventive measures and public health response to vector-borne diseases under the current Congress government of Telangana.
Kavitha criticized both the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that they have failed in their roles as opposition parties in Telangana and have not effectively represented the grievances of the people.
Exoneration in the Delhi liquor policy case comes as a morale-booster for Kalvakuntla Kavitha ahead of her party launch plan this year
While addressing a public meeting at Chelpur in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district ahead of the February 11 municipal elections, the CM dubbed the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) the 'Blackmail Rajakeeya (Political) Samiti'.
KT Rama Rao (KTR), the Working President of the party, said SIT chief and Hyderabad City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar appeared to be acting as 'judge and jury' in a matter that is still under investigation.
KTR launched a fierce attack on the Congress-led state government, accusing it of deliberately misleading the public, hiding its failures, and indulging in what he termed “perverted politics.”
A political controversy has arisen in Telangana's Siddipet district over the alleged incorrect hoisting of the national flag by BRS MLA Kotta Prabhakar Reddy during Republic Day celebrations. The incident has sparked demands for strict legal action amid concerns over disrespect to the national symbol.
K Kavitha, the daughter of ex-Telangana CM KCR, who heads the cultural organisation Telangana Jagruthi, is learnt to have held detailed discussions with poll strategist Prashant Kishor during his recent five-day visit to Hyderabad.
A BRS leader alleges assault by BJP members during a civic grievance inspection in Hyderabad, escalating political rivalry. Police have registered a complaint and are investigating the incident amid rising tensions between the two parties in Telangana.
K Kavitha resigned from the Telangana Legislative Council amid tears and signalled a new party. She targeted Bharat Rashtra Samithi’s (BRS) leadership and Telangana strategy. The move could impact K Chandrasekhar Rao’s party ahead of 2028.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy sparked controversy by attributing the state’s Christmas celebrations to the “sacrifice” of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. The BJP and Bharat Rashtra Samithi criticised his remarks, calling them sycophantic and politically motivated.
A BRS delegation led by Harish Rao said they submitted video and photo evidence to the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging large-scale voter bribery. The BRS requested the poll body to act against officials abusing their power and to deploy central forces at sensitive polling booths.
Here is this week's Glasshouse
A bandh called by Backward Classes organisations demanding restoration of 42% reservation in local bodies led to the shutdown of shops, businesses, and transport across Telangana. The protest drew broad political support and left Diwali travellers stranded.
A Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLA alleged that several Congress MPs voted for CP Radhakrishnan for the Vice President post on the instruction of Revanth Reddy.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy accused BRS leaders of internal corruption and backstabbing. He denied supporting any “disgraceful” conspirators, responding to ex-BRS leader K Kavitha’s claim that Reddy was plotting against the party.
Opposition parties within the INDIA bloc and broader regional outfits are stepping up consultations to formulate a coordinated strategy demanding the resignation and criminal proceedings against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities. Top leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi, have held discussions regarding allegations of voter data and procedural inconsistencies in recent assembly elections. Efforts are underway to organise a joint meeting followed by an opposition media briefing to formalise their campaign. Parties including the Trinamool Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Aam Aadmi Party, and regional groups are being approached to form an expanded front. Concurrently, public demonstration ultimatums have been issued demanding institutional accountability. NDA allies have also underscored the importance of institutional transparency, urging the Election Commission of India to publicly clarify concerns and uphold public trust in democratic electoral processes.
The Congress party has escalated its attack on the Election Commission of India over changes introduced to Form 6, which is required for new voter registration. Alleging that alterations were made without statutory notification or required rule amendments under the Representation of the People Act, the party argued that the Chief Election Commissioner lacked the power to amend the form. Congress leaders demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance of the matter, citing barriers created for first-time young voters. Concurrently, broader consultations have begun among opposition outfits under an expanded front. Archrivals Trinamool Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) held telephonic talks, with Mamata Banerjee and M.A. Baby discussing joint opposition action and nationwide campaigns. Outfits including the Aam Aadmi Party, Biju Janata Dal, Bharat Rashtra Samithi, and DMK have also been approached to build a common platform against alleged commission irregularities.
A major political row has erupted in Telangana after a woman advertising entrepreneur, K Shobha Reddy, alleged that an individual claiming to be a close associate of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy asked her to visit a guest house for an official meeting, which made her uncomfortable. In a recorded message and social media posts, the entrepreneur stated that she had been struggling to secure lawful advertising business opportunities without resorting to corruption or seeking unfair favours. Demanding dignity and equal opportunities, she urged Chief Minister Reddy to grant her an audience. The allegations triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi challenged the Chief Minister to address her grievances, while the Bharatiya Janata Party demanded a transparent inquiry and strict legal action against anyone found exploiting women entrepreneurs.
A political controversy has broken out in Telangana after Hyderabad-based advertising entrepreneur K. Shobha Reddy levelled serious allegations against a close aide of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The businesswoman claimed that she was invited to a guest house for an official discussion regarding outdoor advertising opportunities, where she was made to feel deeply uncomfortable during the meeting. Clarifying that she holds no affiliation with any political party, she emphasised that she was merely seeking fair business opportunities rather than special favours. The allegations have triggered strong political reactions, with both the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and the Bharatiya Janata Party demanding an immediate and transparent investigation into the matter. Speaking on the issue, BJP leader N. Ramchandra Rao termed it a serious case of alleged quid pro quo and exploitation of women entrepreneurs, urging stringent legal action. An FIR has reportedly been filed at the Banjara Hills Police Station as opposition parties mount pressure on the state government.
A political controversy has erupted in Telangana after entrepreneur K. Shobha Reddy alleged that an individual claiming to be a close associate of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy asked her to visit a guest house to discuss business opportunities in the outdoor advertising sector. Reddy stated that the conversation was uncomfortable and questioned the transparency of official processes, clarifying that she seeks equal opportunity and dignity rather than special favours. The opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi has seized upon the claims to target Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and the state government, demanding an investigation into the intermediary's identity and control of the premises.
A debate arose in the Telangana Legislative Assembly regarding actions towards Mallikarjun Kharge and Gaddam Prasad Kumar. Addressing the Speaker, a member questioned the Bharat Rashtra Samithi for not tendering an apology to society and rectifying their mistake. The member stated that the government is taking the matter seriously, noting that protests are ongoing from the streets to Parliament and reaching the President. It was emphasised that such behaviour will not be tolerated in Telangana and is seen as an insult to society and the House.
A political confrontation took place between the Congress and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi following the suspension of 22 opposition MLAs from the Telangana Assembly. Congress spokesperson Srinivas Reddy Kumbham defended the Speaker's action, maintaining that the opposition disrupted proceedings and stormed the well of the House instead of engaging in debates, while questioning the absence of the Leader of Opposition. In response, BRS leader Ravula Sridhar Reddy accused the government of deliberately stifling the opposition to avoid scrutiny regarding unfulfilled electoral guarantees and promises. The BRS leader highlighted the rejection of their adjournment motions, alleged police excess against protesting legislators, and security concerns at the Leader of Opposition's residence. The Congress representative stated that an inquiry was ordered into the allegations concerning the handling of women legislators, noting that personal abuses against the Speaker's office were unparliamentary and unacceptable.
In an interview, Congress MLC Addanki Dayakar addressed the controversy surrounding Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLCs Tata Madhu and Naveen being detained from the council premises while holding a press conference after securing bail. Dayakar stated, "These people are the culprits of the upper house today," criticizing the use of unparliamentary language against the chair and accusing opposition members of attempting to disrupt proceedings. He noted that while their suspension covers the ongoing session, further action remains pending, adding, "I think there may be a chance to dismiss forthcoming days," subject to the chairperson's decision.
High political drama unfolded in Telangana as Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader KT Rama Rao and other party leaders were detained while attempting to reach former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao's farmhouse. Speaking after his detention, KT Rama Rao lashed out at Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, alleging that Telangana is under criminal rule and characterised the ongoing controversy as a diversion game. He expressed faith in the judiciary for coming to the rescue of party legislators following court rulings rejecting the government's case. Meanwhile, the BRS also alleged that its women leaders were manhandled by police officials during a showdown at the Assembly amid escalating tensions with the Congress government.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has demanded an apology from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi over an alleged casteist slur hurled by BRS MLC Tata Madhu. Terming the incident a dark day for Telangana, Revanth Reddy stated in the Assembly that the remarks were directed at the Speaker and amounted to an insult to four crore people of the state. While the BRS MLC claimed his statement was directed at the police rather than the Speaker, the Chief Minister condemned the language as unacceptable and an unforgivable offence under any democratic system, calling for strict accountability and a formal apology from the opposition party.
A political war of words erupted in Telangana between Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president KTR as the Congress administration marked a milestone in office. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched a direct attack on KTR, alleging a lack of family values and referencing internal property disputes concerning his sister. In response, KTR mounted a scathing counter-offensive against the Congress party during a youth rally in Karimnagar, labelling Congress an 'old fox' that stalled the creation of Telangana and failed multiple generations. KTR cited historical events from 1956, 1968, 1971, and 2004, accusing Congress of unfulfilled electoral guarantees and delayed statehood. Meanwhile, Congress leaders defended welfare programmes and governance achievements, countering that the previous regime mismanaged public resources. The high-pitched political exchange highlights escalating friction between the ruling Congress and the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi across Telangana.
A Telangana police patrol vehicle transporting detained Bharat Rashtra Samithi leaders ran out of diesel in Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's constituency. Visuals shared on social media by party workers showed supporters pushing the stalled police van after it stopped on the road. The stationary police vehicle reportedly blocked an ambulance carrying a pregnant woman, prompting workers to move the vehicle aside to clear the path. Bharat Rashtra Samithi leaders mocked the state government over the incident, while police are yet to confirm the situation.
Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president KT Rama Rao criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over student issues, challenging him to visit Telangana and listen to local youth. Speaking at a public meeting in Karimnagar, Rama Rao questioned the delivery of election assurances, including two lakh jobs annually, the job calendar, unemployment allowances, and fee reimbursement. He also targeted Chief Minister Revanth Reddy regarding governance and unfulfilled commitments.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the ongoing investigation into the phone tapping case in Telangana involving former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR). The BRS chief has sought a fresh date for his examination by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), stating in a written reply that he is 'unable to appear on Jan 30th as directed in the notice, as it is the last date for filing nominations to elections for 150 municipalities and seven municipal corporations.' KCR cited his preoccupation with issuing authorizations to party candidates as the reason for his absence. The case involves allegations that the previous BRS government breached the privacy of politicians, celebrities, and businessmen. While the Congress government maintains that strict action will be taken against those responsible, the BRS has dismissed the allegations as a 'time lapse' and political vendetta. The SIT, led by the Commissioner of Police, is expected to issue a new date for the former Chief Minister's statement recording.
A massive political controversy has erupted in Telangana following Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's alleged use of unparliamentary language in the State Assembly. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has accused the Chief Minister of making personal and derogatory remarks against BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao and Deputy Leader T. Harish Rao. An unidentified BRS leader stated, 'I strongly demand on behalf of the party an apology from the Chief Minister.' The opposition has condemned the remarks as a violation of parliamentary conventions. India Today's Abdul Basheer reports that the row began during a discussion on irrigation issues, where the CM allegedly used abusive words while addressing opposition MLAs.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the political firestorm surrounding Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's controversial remarks on Hindu deities. Speaking at a recent event, Reddy allegedly questioned the existence of multiple gods, 'saying there are over 3 crore of them' and describing a 'God who represents those who eat dal and rice' and another 'God who alcoholics pray to'. The comments have triggered a sharp backlash from the BJP and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). BRS MP KR Suresh Reddy condemned the Chief Minister, stating it is unbecoming of a leader who 'swore on the same gods' during his campaign to now demean them.
On this Special Report, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MP KR Suresh Reddy strongly condemns Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s controversial remarks on Hindu deities. The Chief Minister allegedly stated that there are ‘three crore Hindu gods’ with some being offered alcohol and meat, a comment the BRS leader terms as ‘demeaning’ to both the gods and the community. Reddy argues that such ‘light-hearted comments on a serious issue’ are unbecoming of a Chief Minister who swore on the same gods during his campaign. The interview also addresses a recent controversy involving a Rajya Sabha colleague , who remarked that those inside Parliament ‘bark and bite’ more than her dog. Reddy criticizes the statement as ‘totally demeaning’ for a senior parliamentarian. Additionally, he responds to Maulana Arshad Madani’s comments on the Congress party’s handling of minority issues.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has ignited a major political controversy after allegedly mocking Hindu deities and questioning the multiplicity of gods. Speaking at an event, Reddy remarked that 'Hanuman is the god of the unmarried' and claimed there are separate gods for those who 'marry twice' or offer 'alcohol and chicken'. The comments have drawn sharp condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), who accused the Congress leader of insulting Hindu sentiments to appease a specific vote bank. The opposition has demanded an unconditional apology, calling the remarks a deliberate attempt to hurt religious beliefs.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has ignited a political firestorm after allegedly mocking Hindu deities while addressing a Congress party meeting. Drawing an analogy to the party's inclusivity, Reddy remarked, 'There is one god for those who are unmarried — Hanuman... and there is yet another god for those who drink alcohol.' He further stated that while some gods are offered 'dal and rice', others receive 'chicken'. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) have condemned the statements as 'anti-Hindu', accusing Reddy of hurting religious sentiments to appease a vote bank. The programme analyzes the political fallout of these controversial comments.
A political controversy has erupted in Telangana following remarks made by the Chief Minister regarding Hindu deities. The Chief Minister reportedly stated that 'Hanuman is the god of those who are unmarried' and made references to offerings of alcohol and meat to certain gods. These comments, made during a party executive meeting, have drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has accused the leader of mocking Hindu sentiments and demanded an apology. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has also condemned the statements, describing them as an attack on the state's secular fabric. A BRS leader questioned the Congress party's stance on secularism and demanded action against the Chief Minister. The report highlights the intensifying political reactions in Hyderabad over the issue.