Congress leader Gadipally Bhaskar to rejoin BJP as party falls into turmoil in Gajwel

Former municipal chairman Gadipally Bhaskar is set to rejoin the BJP, dealing a blow to the Congress in Gajwel. Political infighting and lack of a clear role reportedly triggered his switch. His return was facilitated despite internal opposition in the BJP.

Siddipet: The Congress party is likely to suffer a setback in the Gajwel Assembly constituency, with former municipal chairman Gadipally Bhaskar set to rejoin the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday.

Bhaskar, who had joined the Congress after the Assembly elections, is reportedly switching sides again due to differences with constituency in-charge and DCC president Tumukunta Narsa Reddy. The recent entry of Mynampally Hanumantha Rao into Gajwel politics is said to have deepened the rift among party leaders, leaving Bhaskar without a clear role in the party.

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Bhaskar, who was earlier with the BRS and was appointed as a municipal chairman during the BRS regime, had initially defected to the BJP ahead of the Assembly polls. He then joined the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

In a twist, Bhaskar’s decision to rejoin the BJP comes despite opposition from senior BJP leader Etala Rajender, who had contested from Gajwel in the 2023 Assembly polls. Sources said Medak MP Raghunandan Rao facilitated Bhaskar’s meeting with newly appointed State BJP president N Ramachandra Rao.

Bhaskar is expected to formally join the BJP at the party’s State office in Hyderabad on Wednesday evening. He reportedly made attempts to return to the BRS, but the leadership is said to have shown no interest.