Latest news with #NaraparajuRamchanderRao
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Task ahead for BJP chief in Telangana
After months of suspense, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) central leadership has finally zeroed in on former MLC Naraparaju Ramchander Rao as the new president of the State unit for the next three years. A veteran of student politics, a legal eagle, and long considered the intellectual face of the party, Mr. Rao replaces Union Minister for Coal & Mines G. Kishan Reddy, who held the post for the last two years. Although the position was slated as an election, Mr. Rao was the only candidate to file a nomination. Mr. Rao has the backing of the BJP's central leadership, which will help him to streamline his work systematically. Amid mounting pressure to appoint a Backward Class candidate as the party chief, the BJP stuck to its convention of recognising leaders who have risen from the grassroots. Mr. Rao edged out Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender, who had used all his resources to get the top post. The next Assembly and Parliament elections are still four years away, but there has been intense competition among the aspirants for the coveted post. While the selection process was repeatedly delayed, lobbying for the prestigious post never disappeared. Over the past six years, the BJP has taken a calculated risk in wooing leaders from other political parties. The party tasted success in the 2023 Assembly elections, where eight BJP candidates — seven of them first-timers — emerged victorious. The same tempo continued in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where the BJP again won eight seats, doubling its tally from 2019. Interestingly, several outsiders joined the party and went on to become MPs. However, the BJP, by encouraging those from other parties, created resentment among old timers. This also led to groupism in the party, which seldom tolerates indiscipline and discourages leader-centric politics. This heartburn among the loyal leaders and cadres has been contained with the appointment of Mr. Rao. In Telangana, where Backward Classes form the largest share of the electorate, followed by Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and then Forward Castes, most major parties — especially the Congress — have focused heavily on winning their support. With this backdrop, BJP workers had hoped the party would elevate a Backward Class leader as State president. To the surprise of everyone, the top brass went ahead by loyalty and commitment, naming Mr. Rao, a Brahmin, as the party chief. Coming to the caste equations, the BJP is known to hold a strong sway among the Brahmins and the influential Velama community, followed by a few Backward Class communities. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have, traditionally, avoided sailing with the saffron party. The powerful Reddy community, which traditionally sailed with the Congress, had shifted its support base over the years. In the 2018 Assembly elections, it leaned toward the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), backed the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, and returned to the Congress fold in 2023. 'Leadership to be tested' According to the Socio-Economic, Education, Employment, Political and Caste Survey — which covered 3,54,77,554 people and 1,12,15,134 families — Backward Classes account for 56.33% of Telangana's population, including 10.08% BC Muslims. SCs make up 17.43%, STs 10.45%, and Muslims 12.56% (of whom 2.48% are OC Muslims). Forward Castes constitute 13.31% of the population. Therefore, the new BJP chief has his task cut out to woo the Backward Class voters. Beyond his political capabilities, Mr. Rao's leadership will be tested in the upcoming local body polls. It is a fact that the BJP has not penetrated the rural areas as expected, with its support base largely confined to a few pockets. The local body polls, particularly the gram panchayat elections, which are held on a non-party basis, will require Mr. Rao to focus on identifying willing and capable candidates. The BJP will be up against the ruling Congress, which will leave no stone unturned to secure a victory. The BRS, the main Opposition party, will also be in the reckoning. If the BJP hopes to make further inroads in the State, Mr. Rao will have to channel all his energy into reaching every corner of Telangana; constituting village units, and enthusing the cadres. His experience and ideological grounding will be put to the test in the coming months, as he takes on both the ruling Congress and the BRS.
Hans India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
It is collective duty of all to protect Dharma: TG BJP chief
Hyderabad: Naraparaju Ramchander Rao, the newly elected President of the Telangana State unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was felicitated on Sunday by the Center for Brahmin Excellence. At the felicitation event, Ramchander Rao expressed his gratitude to the CBE organisation, its members, and the esteemed Brahmin elders who had gathered to offer their blessings. Recalling a poignant verse by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which underscores the importance of collective effort and unity in public life, he affirmed his commitment to moving forward with the same spirit, working collaboratively with all sections of society to achieve shared goals. Ramchander Rao firmly stated that it is the collective duty of all citizens to preserve and protect Dharma, tradition, and the cultural ethos of India. He added that Brahmins, being intrinsic to this heritage, carry a slightly greater share of that responsibility. He noted with concern that certain sections, driven by selfish motives, seek to undermine Dharma and propagate false narratives against the Brahmin community. This trend, he remarked, has its roots in the colonial era under British rule. 'Brahmins,' he asserted, 'have always been acceptable to and respected by every community in this country.' Vidya Sankar Bharati Swamiji of Pushpagiri Peetham began his address by remarking that the very fact such a grand felicitation programme was being held was not merely an event of honour, but a powerful symbol, a signal of the triumphant resurgence of the community. Swamiji offered his heartfelt blessings to Naraparaju Ramchander Rao, recalling his earlier visit to Pushpagiri Peetham exactly a hundred days ago on Ugadi. The proceedings were conducted by K V Ramana Chary, who serves as an Honorary Adviser at CBE. Ramchander Rao was warmly welcomed by the Executive Committee of CBE, its members, and numerous other participants. He was graciously escorted into the felicitation hall and led to the dais alongside Vidya Sankar Bharati Swamiji and Chief Guests, MLC Surabhi Vani Devi, and K V Ramana Chary. Joining them on stage were CBE President Vijay Oddiraju, Secretary Jwala Narasimha Rao Vanam, Treasurer Sesha RSR Prasad Kondapalli, K Aravinda Rao, MVR Sarma, and others.
United News of India
01-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Ramachander Rao unanimously elected Telangana BJP president
Hyderabad, July 1 (UNI) Former MLC Naraparaju Ramchander Rao was unanimously elected the new president of the Telangana BJP here on Tuesday. Rao has replaced Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy as president of the party in the state. National election returning officer Shobha Karandlaje declared Rao as the new president of the Telangana BJP at state party headquarters here as Rao was the only nomination filed on Monday, clearing the path for his uncontested elevation to the post. Veteran of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the 66-year-old Rao brings to the position a rare combination of ideological clarity, legal acumen, and decades of political experience. A courageous student leader during the volatile 1970s and 1980s, Rao rose to prominence at Osmania University by challenging the dominance of Leftist student organisations. In an era when Naxalite ideology had entrenched itself in the student union politics of the university, Rao led the ABVP's counter-mobilisation with grit and resolve. Despite facing physical attacks — including a grievous assault in the university library that left him hospitalised for weeks — Rao remained undeterred and continued to fight for the nationalist cause on campus. His association with the ABVP spanned over a decade (1977–1985), during which he also served as the state committee member and city president while pursuing his studies in law and post-graduation. Born into a modest Brahmin family deeply rooted in the Osmania University academic community, Rao chose activism over comfort, and public service over personal safety. Over the years, Rao transitioned seamlessly into legal and public life. Starting his career in 1986 as a practising lawyer at the Nampally Criminal Courts and later the Andhra Pradesh High Court, he earned a reputation as one of the most respected legal voices in the state. He was designated as a Senior Advocate in 2012, and today he represents clients across the Supreme Court, high courts, and tribunals, while continuing to provide legal support to party workers and the organisation. Within the BJP, Rao has held several key positions, including BJYM secretary, city unit vice president, state convenor of the legal cell, national legal cell member, state general secretary, and the official party spokesperson. His political acumen and ability to build consensus earned him a seat in the Telangana Legislative Council in 2015 from the graduates' constituency covering Hyderabad, Rangareddy, and Mahbubnagar districts. The party leadership's decision to elevate Ramchander Rao is being welcomed by senior leaders. UNI KNR PRS
