K Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, has announced the launch of her own political outfit named ‘Telangana Rashtra Sena’ (TRS). The announcement was made on Saturday during an event held on the outskirts of Hyderabad. This move marks a significant political development in the state, especially considering the recent attempts to sideline her from Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS), formed by her father.

Kavitha was suspended from the BRS in September last year after she accused her cousins and senior party leaders T Harish Rao and J Santosh Kumar of “tarnishing” the image of her father and the party. Her allegations were linked to issues regarding the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project, which was developed during the BRS government. This internal conflict eventually led to her removal from the party.

While announcing her new party, Kavitha took to social media to share a strong message. “Remember The Name: Telangana Rashtra Sena,” a post on her X handle stated, adding:

“We refuse to back down, come what may;

It is time the people of Telangana have their say.

We will not let our aspirations decay;

Be reduced to ashes if you dare come in our way.

Your Time is Done, Our Time is Now.”

These lines reflect her assertive stance and her intent to establish a new political identity focused on the people of Telangana.

Since her suspension, Kavitha has been actively working on public issues through Telangana Jagruthi, a cultural organisation that she heads. Her continued engagement with grassroots issues appears to have laid the foundation for this new political step.

It is important to note that the BRS, under K Chandrasekhar Rao, was originally known as the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS). The party was renamed to BRS in 2022 as part of its expansion beyond regional politics. Kavitha, however, has now revived the original name in a new form, signalling a return to regional roots and priorities.

Speaking about her decision to form a new party, Kavitha said it would focus on the “aspirations and unfinished agenda” of Telangana. She expressed concern that the core values of the BRS had changed over time. “BRS party was made to fulfil the regional aspiration of Telangana, but they changed their name, work and the very soul of the party, which resulted in the breaking of their bond with the people... When a party gets distracted from its fundamental core issue, then it cannot survive... We need a regional party for the unfulfilled agenda and aspirations of Telangana, which will be our party,” ANI news agency quoted Kavitha as saying.

She also clarified her position regarding her exit from the BRS. According to her, she did not leave the party voluntarily but was expelled. “We haven't left them, neither the family nor the party. We have been expelled. I don't want to go into that. But I am a daughter of Telangana. I have the blood of Telangana, the grit of it,” she said.

Kavitha further spoke about her long-standing commitment to the Telangana movement. “We are very stubborn, very committed to our goal. We have spent 20 years of our lives in the Telangana agitation. To develop Telangana, to fulfil its aspirations, whether we have our old party or not, whether our family is with us or not,” she added.

Her statements underline a strong emotional and political connection to Telangana’s identity and development. By launching the Telangana Rashtra Sena, Kavitha is positioning herself as a leader who aims to revive the original vision of the statehood movement. The move could reshape regional politics and create a new space for voters who feel disconnected from existing parties.

The formation of this new party comes at a time when political dynamics in Telangana are evolving. Kavitha’s entry with a separate outfit may influence voter sentiment, especially among those who supported the original goals of the Telangana movement. Her focus on unfinished agendas and regional aspirations suggests that she intends to build a party rooted in local issues and identity.