HYDERABAD: Telangana Rakshana Sena Chief Kalvakuntla Kavitha on Saturday said she has no personal issues with her father and K. Chandrashekar Rao, but asserted that her political fight is against him in his capacity as president of Bharat Rashtra Samithi and former Chief Minister.
Addressing the Meet The Press organised at Basheerbagh, Kavitha said her criticism is directed at the party leadership and its governance record, not at her father personally. She said she continues to hold personal respect for KCR, noting that her parents remain central to her life. At the same time, she underlined that ideological differences with the BRS leadership have led her to take a separate political path. Kavitha said she would continue to question the party when she believes it has erred.
Ideological differences, suspension from BRS
Kavitha said the differences stem from what she described as missed opportunities during the BRS tenure. She alleged that improper handling of Krishna and Godavari river waters deprived farmers of potential economic gains. She also flagged recruitment issues, including multiple paper leaks, and said the administration failed to conduct fool-proof examinations despite having an IT portfolio. Referring to her exit from the party, Kavitha said she was suspended without being issued a show-cause notice or being asked for an explanation. She said the party's decision prompted her to move forward independently to serve the people.
Launch of Telangana Rakshana Sena, 'Panchanjanyam' plan
Kavitha outlined the framework of her new political platform, Telangana Rakshana Sena, centred on a five-point strategy termed 'Panchanjanyam' aimed at achieving 'Sarvodaya Telangana'. She said the plan includes free education from primary to professional courses, universal healthcare with full state funding, and measures to ensure timely crop procurement and farmer support. She also announced proposals for employment and entrepreneurship, including loans ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹20 crore for youth and a single notification to fill 4 lakh government jobs.
Kavitha said the party would prioritise social justice, with a focus on marginalised groups, and ensure representation for women by allocating at least 33% of tickets. The proposed structure includes a cadre-based system with committees at the polling booth level. Kavitha said Telangana Jagruthi would continue as a non-governmental platform alongside the political outfit.
Criticism of Congress government, national issues
Kavitha also criticised the incumbent Congress government, alleging that allocated welfare funds for Dalits and BCs were not fully utilised. She flagged what she described as an increase in crimes against women and instances of police excesses, and said these issues require immediate attention. She maintained that her party would hold the government accountable on welfare delivery and law and order.
On national issues, Kavitha proposed changes to the federal structure, stating that the Rajya Sabha should have powers similar to the US Senate, with equal representation for states to safeguard their interests. She said such a framework would strengthen federalism and prevent central overreach, adding that her political platform would raise these issues at the national level.
