What Happened
On September 2, 2025, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) suspended MLC K. Kavitha, daughter of party president K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), citing “anti party activities.” The decision was announced from Telangana Bhavan and took effect immediately.
Her suspension came right after she accused her cousins, former irrigation minister T. Harish Rao and former MP J. Santosh Rao, of conspiring against KCR and tarnishing his image, particularly in connection with corruption allegations linked to the Kaleshwaram irrigation project.
Immediate Fallout
The very next day, Kavitha resigned from both the BRS and her position as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC). She questioned the grounds for her suspension, arguing that her work on issues like BC reservations could not be considered anti-party.
She also escalated her criticism, alleging corruption by her cousins and expressing disappointment that her brother, KT Rama Rao (KTR), did not support her during what she described as a “malicious campaign.”
What’s Behind the Move?
Kavitha’s suspension is the result of months of simmering tensions:
- She felt sidelined within the party, even before her arrest in the Delhi liquor scam case in 2024.
- A six page letter she wrote to KCR, criticizing party leadership and direction, was leaked earlier this year.
- She began to speak more openly at public events, demanding BC reservations and recognition for social reformers, often stepping outside the party line.
- Her pointed remarks against her cousins and direct questioning of corruption scandals finally triggered her removal.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Action Taken | Kavitha suspended on Sept 2, 2025; resigned as MLC and from BRS next day |
| Trigger | Accusations against cousins Harish Rao and Santosh Rao over corruption |
| Underlying Issues | Longstanding marginalization, leaked letter, criticism of party leadership |
| Political Impact | Exposed family rift, weakened party unity, uncertain impact on elections |
Bottom Line
K. Kavitha’s suspension has exposed the deep family rift within BRS and thrown the party into crisis. Her resignation could weaken the party’s image ahead of elections, while also opening the door for her to chart a new political course of her own.
