Bandi Sanjay’s remarks deepen BJP rift in Huzurabad

Though rivalry between the two groups has existed for some time, the Union Minister’s recent comments that the party would not encourage leaders working for individuals have reignited the tension.

Karimnagar: Internal bickering within the BJP in the Huzurabad constituency has come to the fore again, following fresh remarks by Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar targeting Malkajgiri MP Etala Rajender’s faction.

While Sanjay Kumar’s supporters denied the existence of factions in the party, Rajender’s followers asserted that they were being sidelined and were not even invited to party events.

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Though rivalry between the two groups has existed for some time, it flared up again after the Union Minister’s comments during a bicycle distribution programme in Huzurabad on Thursday. Sanjay Kumar had stated that the party would not encourage leaders working for individuals, and tickets would only be given to those loyal to the party.

He also questioned why groupism had developed in Huzurabad when such divisions were not seen elsewhere in the State. The target was clearly Rajender, who was the Huzurabad MLA, representing different parties, from 2009 till 2023.

In a swift reaction, BJP Huzurabad constituency convener Mada Goutham Reddy resigned from both his post and the party’s primary membership on the same day. He also submitted a resignation letter to the party leadership.

Meanwhile, Rajender’s faction held meetings in Huzurabad and Veenavanka on Friday to discuss their next steps and met the MP at his residence in Shamirpet on Saturday.

Rajender, who joined the BJP along with his followers in 2021, maintained his group’s identity during his tenure as MLA. His differences with Sanjay Kumar gradually widened the gap between his faction and long-time BJP workers.

Even after his shift to the Malkajgiri parliamentary constituency for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the rift persisted. The denial of the BJP State president post to Rajender further strained ties, disappointing his supporters who had pinned high hopes on his elevation.

They strongly believe that Sanjay Kumar was among the senior leaders who opposed Rajender’s appointment as party president. The Union Minister’s latest remarks have only added fuel to the fire.