April 21 turned out to be one of those days when Telangana’s political circles held their breath without even realizing it. Five ministers – yes, five -narrowly escaped what could have been two very different tragedies on the same day. In faraway Pahalgam, Ponnam Prabhakar was in celebration mode, marking his anniversary. Thankfully, he wasn’t at Baisaran where, just a day later, terrorists struck, sending chills across the country. But fate wasn’t done playing games. Back in Telangana, a chopper carrying Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, and TPCC Chief Mahesh Kumar Goud ended up landing at the wrong helipad during the Nizamabad Rythu Mahotsav. What could have been brushed off as “VIP luxury” took a serious turn – a minister later confessed that there were vehicles nearby, and even a slight wrong move, it could have been a disaster. “Maybe we would have seen four plus one by-elections,” he half-joked, masking the chill behind humor. That day, both in the valleys of Kashmir and the fields of Nizamabad, Telangana’s political faces unknowingly brushed past danger – and lived to tell the tale.
KTR senses competition for his own chair too
The BRS election season is not just about who becomes the party president – it’s also stirring silent storms under the surface. While Congress is busy saying to make BC as a chief on the outside, inside BRS, the real chatter is about the Working President post. KTR, always sharp with his words, admitted with a smile that anyone can contest. Of course, he played the loyalist card, saying he’s a fan of KCR and wants him to continue as president. But in a moment that didn’t go unnoticed, he subtly dropped a bomb – that even his own post of BRS working president has some competition brewing. When pushed a little on who’s giving him sleepless nights, he cheekily brushed it off with a laugh, saying “Revanth Reddy.” A typical KTR deflection, but behind the laughter, it was clear – the undercurrent is real. He knows the race is not as one-sided as it once was, and it’s time for him to tighten his grip before someone else gets too close for comfort.
Harish Rao’s silence was louder than words
For someone who built his entire brand on being the restless crisis manager of BRS, T Harish Rao’s sudden disappearance from the scene had tongues wagging louder than ever. After leading a flashy 100-car rally to Warangal a few weeks ago to inspect arrangements, the buzz inside BRS was that it ruffled the wrong feathers with the top boss. What followed wasn’t just silence – it was the kind of strategic vanishing act that sent bigger signals than a press conference. In BRS circles, it almost felt like Kavitha had quietly slid into the space, not liked by many in the party. Meanwhile, Harish – who could usually be counted on to raise his voice on every storm from NDSA reports to Banakacharla project- went dead silent. Not a peep even when Rythu Bharosa turned into an apology fest. The media smelled it. The cadre whispered it. And just when it looked like Harish Rao was about to be written off the frame, he reappeared two days before the big event – like a player who knows the match isn’t over until the last ball is bowled. One thing about Harish – he knows timing better than anyone else. Every family-led party in India has faced internal power struggles, be it between sons, daughters, or cousins. In politics, bloodlines blur faster than party lines – and Harish clearly knows how to stay in the game, even when the rules keep changing.
Bharat Summit-2025 dims under the shadow of Pahalgam tragedy
The Telangana government’s big show – Bharat Summit-2025 – was supposed to be a full-blown political statement and a glittering international event. But fate had other plans. The tragic terror attack at Pahalgam, sent shockwaves not just across the country but right into the heart of the Hyderabad summit. Overnight, the mood shifted. Organizers had to cancel flashy cultural performances, scramble schedules, and deal with a political guest list that started falling apart. At one point, the Telangana government even toyed with the idea of postponing the whole event which was supposed to target the BJP led Central government and the right wing. But with international delegates already sipping tea in India, there was no real choice but to carry on – just with a lot less pomp. Rahul Gandhi, who was expected to make a big splash on Day One, gave it a skip and turned up only on Saturday. Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi, who were supposed to be the heavyweight draws, didn’t even make it, citing the Pahalgam tragedy. Bharat Summit quickly morphed from a political blitzkrieg into a more somber affair. Candlelight marches replaced cultural galas. Delegates lined up to condemn the attack, and in a late move, the Pahalgam tragedy even found its way into the summit’s official resolutions – a sharp pivot from delivering “global justice” to denouncing terrorism. In the end, the Telangana government’s carefully choreographed show had to bow down to reality – reminding everyone that in politics, even the best-laid plans can be turned upside down by forces far beyond the script.
Biryani was off record, but buttermilk Is all on paper
In Telangana politics, big meetings always came with a familiar taunt – “public were given biryani packets, Rs. 200, and alcohol.” Opposition leaders never missed a chance to poke fun at parties hosting massive meetings. But this time, for the BRS Warangal Silver Jubilee meeting, the menu officially looks a lot tamer. Ten lakh buttermilk packets have been lined up – neatly counted, neatly audited, and proudly flaunted on the BRS party’s books. BRS flaunted more about Buttermilk packets than the real agenda of the meeting. But let’s be real – recession hasn’t hit the political kitchens yet. Biryani and beer are still very much part of the party platter. Workers and leaders will get their biryani packets, just like old times. Only thing is, the biryani won’t come with a receipt. It never did, it never will. Audit or no audit, full meals are guaranteed. Telangana knows the drill – buttermilk for the records, biryani for the stomachs.
(Naveena Ghanate and Dr Kolishetty Venkateshwarlu)
