Firebrand politician T Raja Singh quits BJP over Telangana chief row

In a significant blow to the Telangana BJP, Goshamahal MLA T Raja Singh announced his resignation from the party on Monday. His decision stems from profound disappointment over media reports indicating that veteran leader N Ramchander Rao is set to be appointed as the new state BJP president. Singh's departure highlights growing internal rifts within the state unit, particularly concerning the party's leadership selection process.

N Ramchander Rao, a seasoned criminal lawyer and a long-time associate of the BJP in Telangana, is known for his deep roots within the party, including his close ties with the late Arun Jaitley. He has also served as a member of the Bar Council of India, bringing a blend of legal acumen and political experience to the table. However, his reported elevation has not sat well with all sections of the party.

According to party sources, the BJP leadership reached out to Rao on Sunday evening, with calls from organizational secretary Chandrasekhar to confirm his years of association with the party. This was swiftly followed by a request to file his nomination for the state president post on Monday, with the leadership ensuring he would be the sole contender, indicating a top-down decision-making process.

In his resignation letter addressed to the current Telangana BJP chief G Kishan Reddy, Raja Singh strongly articulated that this decision amounts to a "betrayal" of lakhs of dedicated party workers (karyakartas) who have consistently supported the party through thick and thin. He stressed that this choice has come as a "shock" not just to him, but to the party's grassroots supporters and voters.

Raja Singh further asserted that Telangana was poised for the BJP to form its first government, but this "wrong leadership choice has put that in jeopardy." He directly accused "individuals running the show from behind the curtain" of imposing leadership, alleging that "personal interests had prevailed over the party’s interests in Telangana." He declared that he "cannot stay silent or pretend that all is well."

Despite his departure from the BJP, Raja Singh clarified that his commitment to Hindutva ideology and the service of Dharma remains unwavering. He stated, "I will continue to raise my voice and stand with the Hindu community with even greater strength," underscoring his intent to remain active in public life advocating for his core beliefs. Calling his resignation a "difficult but necessary decision," he warned that "the silence of many should not be mistaken for agreement," claiming to speak for countless disappointed workers and voters.