KTR to launch padayatra next year; to focus on public issues

Mancherial: BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Sunday announced that he would undertake a state-wide padayatra in 2027 focusing on public issues, as part of efforts to reconnect with the people and strengthen the party organisation. Interacting with media persons at Kyathanpalli in Mancherial district, he said the party would contest the upcoming elections independently and would not enter into alliances. “Alliances have not worked for us. We will contest alone and return to power,” he asserted, ruling out any tie-up with the BJP.

On delimitation, KTR said the proposed increase in Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies would create new political opportunities. He maintained that if the current proportional representation is retained, there would be no objection. “If all states receive a uniform increase in seats without reducing existing share, there is no reason for concern,” he observed. Emphasising electoral strategy, he said the party would prioritise winnability in ticket allocation. “We will field candidates where they can win. There will be no hesitation in taking such decisions,” he said, adding that leadership changes in the Godavari belt could improve the party’s prospects.

Admitting shortcomings during the BRS government’s tenure, KTR said the party failed to maintain effective coordination with grassroots leaders, including cadre, sarpanches, MPTCs and mandal-level representatives.

He also acknowledged that despite a large migrant workforce from north Telangana districts, the government could not formulate a comprehensive Gulf policy.

Launching a sharp attack on the Congress government led by Revanth Reddy, he alleged that key welfare schemes such as Rythu Bandhu and farm loan waivers were not being implemented properly, causing distress among farmers. He also flagged delays in fee reimbursement affecting students and claimed that public confidence in the government was declining.

KTR criticised the allocation of funds to the Pranahita project despite objections from Maharashtra and demanded early completion of the Chennur lift irrigation scheme.

On Singareni, he said expansion of opencast mining was reducing employment opportunities and leading to worker discontent. He announced plans to revamp the TBGKS Union and provide opportunities for new leadership.

He also targeted the BJP, alleging that its leaders failed to fulfil promises of bringing funds after winning the Karimnagar Corporation and were projecting that development in the country was driven by a single leader.

Highlighting organisational plans, KTR said the party would launch a membership drive in May and June and conduct training programmes for cadre. He expressed confidence that the induction of senior leader Jeevan Reddy would strengthen the party in the erstwhile Karimnagar region. On internal party matters, KTR dismissed reports of factionalism, stating that all leaders were working under the leadership of K Chandrashekar Rao.

“There are no internal differences. Everyone in the party is working for KCR,” he said, adding that he would carry out any responsibility assigned to him as a disciplined party worker.

He admitted that a gap had developed between the party and the people during its decade in power and said steps would be taken to bridge it through direct engagement, including the proposed padayatra. Expressing confidence, he said the BRS would stage a strong comeback in the next elections.