BRS plans grand celebrations for KCR’s 72nd birthday

The BRS is celebrating the 72nd birthday of its president and former CM K Chandrashekhar Rao on February 17. Events include a 72-kg cake ceremony, documentary screening, service activities, and nationwide participation of party cadres and supporters

Hyderabad: As the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) prepares to celebrate the 72nd birthday of its president and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on February 17, party leaders and cadre across Telangana are planning events to mark his political journey and leadership legacy.

Born on February 17, 1954, in Chintamadaka village of Siddipet district, Chandrashekhar Rao—popularly known as KCR—began his political career in the Youth Congress before joining the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the early 1980s. He went on to serve multiple terms as an MLA, Minister and later as Deputy Speaker in the undivided Andhra Pradesh Assembly. Except for his first election in late 1970s and his recent Kamareddy contest during 2023 elections, Chandrashekhar Rao is known to be an undefeated leader over four decades of political career.

---

A decisive phase in his career came in 2001 when he founded the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), now BRS, with the sole objective of achieving statehood for Telangana. At a time when the demand had receded from the national spotlight, he revived the movement through sustained agitation, political negotiations and mass mobilisation.

His fast-unto-death in 2009 became a watershed moment, intensifying the agitation and prompting the Centre to begin the bifurcation process. Telangana was formally carved out of Andhra Pradesh on June 2, 2014, and Chandrashekhar Rao took oath as the first Chief Minister of the new State.

During his two consecutive terms from 2014 to 2023, he prioritised irrigation, welfare and infrastructure. Flagship initiatives such as the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, Mission Bhagiratha and Mission Kakatiya were positioned as measures to address water scarcity and strengthen agriculture. Welfare schemes, including Rythu Bandhu, formed a key component of his governance strategy.

Under his leadership, Telangana emerged as a major investment destination, particularly in information technology and pharmaceuticals, with Hyderabad strengthening its position as a leading technology hub. Supporters credit him with shaping the administrative and political framework of the nascent State, while critics have questioned aspects of fiscal management and project execution. Nonetheless, his central role in the Telangana statehood movement remains undisputed.

On the occasion, the BRS has planned massive celebrations at Telangana Bhavan in Hyderabad, where the party headquarters has been decorated with flags and banners. Senior leaders, including BRS working president KT Rama Rao and BRSLP deputy leader T Harish Rao will participate in a cake cutting ceremony featuring a 72-kg cake. A documentary on Chandrashekhar Rao’s life and political career will be screened.

Across Telangana, party cadre are organising blood donation camps, fruit and sweet distribution programmes and other service activities to mark the occasion. BRS NRI wing is also holding events abroad, while special songs have been released by supporters commemorating his leadership and wishing for his return as the Chief Minister of Telangana once again.