03-07-2025
RSS Veterans Take Charge as BJP Recalibrates in Telugu States
Published : Jul 03, 2025 16:12 IST - 3 MINS READ
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed party veterans with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) backgrounds as State presidents in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, apparently to achieve ideological alignment and organisational consolidation. This simultaneous, explicit emphasis on RSS-rooted leadership in both Telugu States has drawn media and political attention.
'Every karyakarta has to work hard if we want the BJP flag to fly over Golconda,' declared N. Ramachander Rao in his inaugural address as Telangana's new State president. Union Minister and former State president Bandi Sanjay Kumar had made similar declarations about reclaiming Golconda during his tenure.
Rao's appointment signals either a return to ideological fundamentals or an attempt to unite a fractured party, depending on perspective. The lawyer-turned-politician has warned against internal dissent, threatening legal action against those calling him a 'dummy' leader.
A political scientist, speaking anonymously, described Rao's selection as strategic balancing: 'A Brahmin leader with strong ideological roots, Rao's appointment could be an attempt to balance the OBC stronghold and Reddy leadership within the Telangana BJP. This will surely satisfy hardcore RSS supporters.'
Rao began his political career with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad nearly five decades ago during his undergraduate years. Although his involvement in the party has been steady, his electoral record remains modest—he lost the Malkajgiri Assembly seat in 2014, 2018, and 2023, as well as the 2019 Lok Sabha election for the same constituency. Party insiders were reportedly disappointed when he was nominated again in 2023. Analysts suggest he has waited a decade for such an appointment.
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Eatela Rajender, who sought the presidency, faced resistance due to his Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) background and ideological incongruence. His recent remarks on the Kaleshwaram project are seen as softening his stance against the BRS.
BJP's struggle for power
Despite an expanding presence in Telangana, particularly in the northern districts, the BJP remains distant from power. Speculation about a Backward Class chief ministerial candidate has sparked discussion, with both Bandi Sanjay and Rajender expected to compete for the role.
Rao, addressing internal rifts, stated: 'There is no new or old in the BJP. Both the new and old timers should work towards strengthening the party.' His immediate challenge is the upcoming local body elections, and his broader mandate includes countering the BRS while targeting the Congress.
T. Raja Singh, MLA from Goshamahal, resigned in protest against Rao's appointment. Known for volatility, Singh has threatened to quit the party multiple times since 2016. In 2022, he faced a temporary suspension for controversial remarks about Prophet Muhammad. The party has yet to respond to his resignation or his allegations of an undemocratic election.
In Andhra Pradesh, former Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) P.V.N. Madhav has replaced Daggubati Purandeswari as State president following her two-year term. Purandeswari, daughter of former Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party founder N.T. Rama Rao joined the BJP in 2014 after leaving the Congress. She now represents Rajahmundry in the Lok Sabha.
Madhav, 51 and the son of P.V. Chalapathi Rao, embodies second-generation BJP leadership with ABVP and RSS roots. Chalapathi Rao was instrumental in building the party in northern Andhra during the 1980s.
Analysts see Madhav's appointment as an attempt to engage Andhra Pradesh's substantial OBC voter base. 'Purandeswari's leadership was an aberration. With Madhav's selection, they are returning to ideological roots,' senior journalist and political analyst Telakapalli Ravi told Frontline.
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In his inaugural speech, Madhav cited his family's association with the BJP, the RSS's contributions, and his memories of the Emergency.
Despite modest electoral gains in the 2024 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has yet to establish a stronghold in Andhra Pradesh. Party leaders hope Madhav can secure better allocations among NDA allies for upcoming local body elections.
Though the new State presidents may seem measured rather than aggressive, they remain committed to Hindutva ideology. Their appointments signal to long-standing members that loyalty is acknowledged, Ravi noted.
