The political and legal troubles surrounding the Kalvakuntla family, particularly K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), son of Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) founder K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), are intensifying. The Anti-Corruption Bureau’s (ACB)decision to initiate action in the Formula E Race scam against KTR, combined with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filing a money laundering case, marks a significant escalation in the multi-agency investigations. These developments follow closely after the state Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) formally lodged an FIR against KTR, with the approval of the Revanth Reddy-led state government and the Governor.
Despite the mounting legal challenges, KTR has maintained a combative stance, accusing the Congress-led state government of orchestrating politically motivated attacks to tarnish his image and that of his party. While the ACB moved swiftly to register the case, KTR secured temporary relief from the state High Court, which granted him a two-week reprieve. However, the entry of the ED into the fray has caught many political observers by surprise, signaling potential involvement from central agencies.
Political analysts suggest that the ED’s actions may reflect pressure tactics from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the center. The BJP, they argue, could be using these cases as leverage in a broader political game, particularly given its ambitions in Telangana and its rivalry with the Congress-led state government.
The BRS, once riding high as a regional powerhouse, has struggled to redefine itself following its rebranding from the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). Rumors of a potential merger with the BJP swirled but ultimately fizzled out, reportedly due to KCR’s decision to revive his political fight after a period of introspection post-poll debacle.
KCR’s daughter, Kavitha, recently secured bail from the Supreme Court, raising speculation of a deal between the BRS and the BJP. Reports suggest conditions were discussed, including a possible central cabinet berth for KCR and the Chief Ministership for KTR for at least one term. However, with the BJP confident of its prospects in the upcoming assembly elections, it appears to have distanced itself from such overtures.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s Congress government is determined to dismantle the KCR family’s influence. The multi-crore Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, which has long been under the scanner for alleged irregularities, is emerging as another battleground. The Congress is also leveraging anti-defection laws to weaken the BRS by targeting defectors and consolidating its position in the state assembly.
The BJP, meanwhile, is playing a more calculated game. With its immediate focus on the Delhi assembly elections, where it seeks to capitalize on the vulnerabilities of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) amidst corruption scandals, the BJP seems content to let the Congress and BRS weaken each other in Telangana. Should the BRS splinter further or its leaders face more significant legal troubles, the BJP could emerge as a beneficiary by absorbing disgruntled factions or aligning with a weakened Congress.
Facing these pressures, KCR appears to be pursuing a dual strategy. His “Plan A” involves exploiting potential rifts within the Congress, hoping that dissatisfied Congress legislators might return to the BRS fold. Alternatively, “Plan B” envisions encouraging dissent within the Congress to destabilize Revanth Reddy’s leadership while keeping the door open for a post-election alliance with the BJP if the latter falls short of a majority.
However, KCR’s plans face significant hurdles. The legal noose is tightening, with both state and central agencies turning their attention to alleged financial misdeeds. If KCR himself becomes ensnared in the irrigation project investigations, the family’s political fortunes could suffer irreparable damage, potentially leading to a split within the party.
As the BJP keeps its eyes on the longer-term political landscape, it appears content to let the Congress dismantle the BRS while it positions itself for future dominance in Telangana. A fragmented BRS could pave the way for new alliances and reshaped political equations in the 2028 assembly elections.
For now, the KCR family faces one of its most challenging political crises. The combination of state and central probes, along with the aggressive tactics of the Congress government, has put the BRS in a precarious position. Despite the public bravado displayed by its leaders, the road ahead looks increasingly treacherous for the KCR family and their political legacy.
