Ex-MLA Guvvala Balaraju Leaves BRS, May Join BJP

In a significant political development, the BRS suffered a setback today with the resignation of its senior leader and former Achampet MLA, Guvvala Balaraju.

He formally tendered his resignation to party chief K Chandrashekar Rao, citing dissatisfaction and lack of direction within the party as his reasons for leaving.

Balaraju, a prominent face from the Scheduled Caste (SC) Madiga community in Nagarkurnool district, represented the Achampet constituency for two consecutive terms - from 2014 to 2018 and from 2018 to 2023. Known for his aggressive articulation in the Assembly and his role as one of the BRS' vocal Dalit leaders, Balaraju played a crucial part in the party's outreach to marginalised communities.

However, his political fortunes declined after his defeat in the 2023 Assembly elections, where he lost to Congress candidate Vamshi Krishna. Since then, he had remained largely inactive within party affairs, reportedly growing disillusioned with the BRS's internal functioning and leadership.

Adding fuel to speculation, Balaraju held a closed-door meeting with BJP Telangana president N Ramchander Rao and Union minister G Kishan Reddy on August 3. Sources close to the development suggest that he is preparing to join the BJP in the coming days, possibly during an upcoming event attended by senior BJP national leaders.

Balaraju's move, if confirmed, could boost the BJP's presence in southern Telangana, particularly among SC voters.

On the contrary, for the BRS his departure marks yet another defection in the aftermath of the party's defeat in the 2023 Assembly elections, reflecting growing internal dissent and weakening cohesion within KCR's camp.

The BRS leadership has yet to respond officially to Balaraju's resignation and the reports of his potential shift to the BJP.