In a significant political moment, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) chief and Leader of the Opposition in Telangana, K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), made a rare appearance in the state Legislative Assembly on Monday, December 29, 2025. This marked one of his first public engagements since his party's defeat in the 2023 Assembly elections, and his visit, though brief, was laden with symbolism.
A Strategic Return for Morale and Optics
The former Chief Minister's arrival at the Assembly around 10:30 AM was a notable event, with scores of supporters accompanying him from his farmhouse. For the BRS, which is attempting a political turnaround, the optics of its supremo's public return are considered a crucial boost. This is especially important as the state prepares for upcoming municipal elections, which will serve as a litmus test for the opposition party's relevance.
The context makes this appearance strategic. The ruling Congress party recently claimed a strong performance in the panchayat elections, stating it won about 7,000 sarpanch seats across Telangana's 31 districts. Furthermore, the BRS has been grappling with internal challenges and defections, having lost 10 of its 39 MLAs to the Congress since 2023. A BRS leader highlighted the importance of KCR's presence, stating, "The energy he brings to the rank and file is of a different level. We are all thrilled whenever he makes a public appearance."
A Brief Handshake and Lingering Tensions
The most talked-about moment of the visit was a brief handshake between KCR and his fierce political rival, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. According to a Congress leader present, the CM inquired about KCR's health, to which the BRS chief curtly replied that he was fine before leaving the House shortly after.
This interaction comes against a backdrop of repeated criticism from CM Reddy regarding KCR's prolonged absence from legislative duties. Reddy had previously remarked, "While we try to deal with the financial mess their government landed the state in, KCR is happily staying put at his farmhouse. If he is interested in the future of the state, the least he should do is attend the Assembly sessions." The handshake, therefore, was a moment of formal courtesy amidst deep political animosity.
Navigating Internal Challenges and Future Prospects
KCR's low profile over the past two years had seen his son and Sircilla MLA, K T Rama Rao, taking a more active role in the Assembly and party affairs. The party has also faced internal strife, most notably the suspension of KCR's daughter and MLC, K Kavitha, earlier this year. Kavitha had publicly accused her brother of sidelining her and loyalists, and claimed their father was "surrounded by demons" misleading him, also targeting her cousin, Siddipet MLA T Harish Rao.
Despite these setbacks, BRS functionaries believe KCR's symbolic return helps the party look forward. "He is a leader who sows a bright future for the BRS," said one party functionary, suggesting his presence helps "everyone around forget the past." However, the Congress downplayed the significance of the visit. A senior Congress leader dismissed it, saying, "We will not be affected by KCR's presence or absence. The Congress government has the support of people and we are not bothered about anything else."
As Telangana heads towards municipal polls, KCR's fleeting Assembly return is more than just a photo-op; it is a calculated move to reinvigorate the party cadre and reassert his leadership at a critical juncture. The brief handshake with Revanth Reddy encapsulates the complex dance of rivalry and protocol that defines the state's current political landscape.
