BRS set to gain ground in Karimnagar as Jeevan Reddy confirms entry

Senior leader T Jeevan Reddy is set to join the BRS after quitting the Congress, boosting the party in north Telangana. KTR met him in Jagtial, and his formal induction is expected soon in the presence of KCR.

Jagtial: In a significant political development, the BRS is set to strengthen its base in north Telangana, with senior leader T Jeevan Reddy confirming his decision to join the party, dealing a blow to the ruling Congress party.

BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Thursday called on Jeevan Reddy at his residence in Jagtial and formally invited him to join the party. The meeting, which lasted over an hour, was attended by key leaders from the erstwhile Karimnagar district, including B Vinod Kumar, Gangula Kamalakar and Koppula Eshwar.

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Jeevan Reddy recently quit the Congress after more than four decades, citing growing dissatisfaction with the leadership. Repeated humiliation, lack of recognition for senior leaders, and local political decisions being taken without his involvement contributed to his exit.

Describing Jeevan Reddy as a highly respected senior leader with a strong connect with farmers, Rama Rao said he met him on the directions of BRS chief K Chandrashekhar Rao. He recalled the long-standing mutual respect between the two leaders.

“KCR holds Jeevan Reddy in high regard. His long fight on issues like the Nizam Sugar Factory reflects his commitment. We hope he will join us soon and strengthen the party,” Rama Rao said, assuring him of due respect and responsibility within the BRS.

He added that though Chandrashekhar Rao had invited the former Congress leader into the BRS immediately after Telangana formation, the latter had respectfully declined, citing his commitment to the Congress.

Welcoming the invitation, Jeevan Reddy made his intent clear. “My future lies with the BRS. Meeting KCR is now only a formality. I am happy to work under his leadership for public welfare,” he said.

He also criticised the Congress, alleging that committed senior leaders were being sidelined while defectors were being given priority. He stated that the present Revanth Reddy government had reversed the progress achieved during the BRS regime in 10 years within two years.

During the meeting, both sides discussed the current political situation and the modalities of Jeevan Reddy’s formal induction, which is likely to take place soon in the presence of the BRS president.

Political observers see his imminent entry into the BRS as a significant boost for the party in Karimnagar and surrounding districts, where Jeevan Reddy commands considerable influence. For the Congress, already grappling with internal dissent, his exit could prove a setback at a time when the opposition is regrouping aggressively.