Hyderabad :- In a significant political development, Senior BRS leader and Rajya Sabha MP K Keshava Rao announced his return to the Congress party on Friday, terming it a ‘Ghar Wapsi’ (homecoming) for him. Addressing media personnel at his residence in Hyderabad, Keshava Rao recounted his journey, stating that his initial departure from the Congress was motivated by the mission to rebuild Telangana under the leadership of BRS Chief K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR).
Highlighting the circumstances that led to his departure from the Congress, Keshava Rao expressed the distress accompanying his decision, clarifying that his alignment with the BRS was in response to KCR’s call for rejuvenating Telangana. He emphasized that the genesis of Telangana did not merely involve celebratory gestures but was grounded in legislative actions initiated by the Congress party.
Recalling the historical timeline, Keshava Rao reminisced about the Congress Forum for Telangana (CFT), which spearheaded the statehood movement as early as 1998, predating KCR’s involvement. He disclosed that familial pressures, particularly from his son Viplav Kumar, influenced his decision to join the BRS.
Responding to queries about his departure during turbulent times for the Congress, Keshava Rao asserted that the party faces formidable challenges, highlighting concerns over the state of democracy. Asserting his desire to reconnect with his ideological roots, he likened his return to Congress as a symbolic ‘Ghar Wapsi’ after a 13-year political journey.
At 85 years old, Keshava Rao professed a lack of personal ambition, stating his intention to return to the party fold. He revealed that his daughter, Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, would also join Congress the following day, with his own joining contingent upon strategic considerations.
In an indication of his commitment to transparency, Keshava Rao disclosed his meeting with KCR at the latter’s farmhouse, where discussions ranged from the arrest of Kavitha to broader political dynamics. While acknowledging the legality of Kavitha’s arrest, he voiced concerns over the denial of basic amenities, citing her yet-to-be-determined conviction status.
Underscoring the imperative of opposition unity, Keshava Rao noted KCR’s efforts to forge an alternative front, cautioning against the BJP’s pervasive influence, both politically and culturally. He announced his resignation from the Rajya Sabha, rebuffing suggestions of a position offered by KT Rama Rao, and urged departing party members to uphold their loyalty to their chosen political allegiance.
Acknowledging the talents within the BRS ranks, including KCR, KTR, and Harish Rao, Keshava Rao also lamented a perceived gap between the party leadership and grassroots sentiments.
Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving political narrative.
