N Ramchander Rao all set to take over as new BJP State president in Telangana

Former MLC N Ramchander Rao is set to become the new BJP State president, with an official announcement expected on Tuesday. The central leadership reportedly endorsed his nomination, sidelining other contenders and triggering criticism from Goshamahal MLA T Raja Singh

Hyderabad: Former MLC N Ramchander Rao is all set to take over as the new BJP State president, with a formal announcement expected on Tuesday.

Following the State BJP president election notification issued on Sunday, inviting nominations between 2 pm and 4 pm on Monday, only one nomination was filed, that of Ramchander Rao. The move, reportedly directed by the BJP central leadership, paved the way for his unanimous election. Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment and Central Election Returning Officer Shobha Karandlaje is likely to announce Rao’s election at a party meeting in Manneguda on Tuesday, party sources said.

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Ramchander Rao will assume charge from union Minister and outgoing State president G Kishan Reddy.

Although several BJP leaders including Malkajgiri MP Etala Rajender, Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay, former MP DK Aruna and Goshamahal MLA T Raja Singh were seen as contenders, the central leadership reportedly favoured Ramchander Rao and directed him to file his nomination, leaving other aspirants surprised.

Meanwhile, senior party leaders criticised Raja Singh for the comments made in his resignation letter. They said his remarks reflected indiscipline and pointed out that he had previously been suspended from the party, with the suspension revoked only after an assurance that he would reform his behaviour. BJP MLA Payal Shankar stated that the State president election was conducted according to party rules and in a democratic manner. He dismissed allegations that nominations were restricted, terming them part of a false campaign.

Later in the day, the party issued a statement condemning Raja Singh’s comments on party decisions and functioning. “If Raja Singh wants to quit as MLA, he can submit his resignation to the Speaker,” it said, adding that G Kishan Reddy would forward Raja Singh’s resignation letter to the party’s central leadership for a final decision.