Internal BJP rift erupts during Telangana chief’s Mahabubnagar visit

The visit of BJP State President N. Ramchander Rao to Mahabubnagar exposed deep internal rifts within the party’s district unit, particularly between MP D.K. Aruna and senior leader Shantha Kumar. The welcome event descended into chaos as rival supporters clashed.

Mahabubnagar: The visit of BJP State president N. Ramchander Rao to Mahabubnagar on Saturday laid bare internal differences within the district unit, particularly between MP D.K. Aruna and senior leader Shantha Kumar.

The event, organised to welcome the new BJP State chief, was marred by chaos as supporters of Aruna and Shantha Kumar raised slogans against each other moments after Ramchander Rao arrived at the venue. The discord reportedly stemmed from protocol disputes and long-standing internal rifts.

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Sources said tensions escalated when Shantha Kumar entered the venue, with Aruna’s supporters chanting “Go back” slogans, prompting a retaliatory outburst from his camp against the MP.

Party insiders allege that Shantha Kumar had failed to support D.K. Aruna during the recent Lok Sabha elections. The flashpoint at the welcome meet has now brought these simmering tensions into public view.

Addressing party workers during the meeting, D.K. Aruna demanded stern action against those who worked against the party’s interests. “A few people have crossed the party line during the last Parliament elections. The party has got a report on who worked for my victory and who worked against me,” she said.

She urged the State BJP leadership to examine the report and suspend all those who acted against the party during the elections. “All those who resigned from the party during the elections should also be suspended,” she asserted.

In a pointed remark, she said individuals who had instigated workers against her were present at the same meeting, terming it a clear case of indiscipline.