Eyeing 2024 polls, KCR launches national party 'Bharat Rashtra Samithi'
What's the story
Telangana Chief Minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) launched his national party 'Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS)' on Wednesday with eyes set on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The TRS is now BRS, Rao announced.
Notably, KCR spent months establishing himself as a national leader while traveling to various states and engaging with anti-BJP politicians.
Context
Why does this story matter?
KCR, who is eyeing a key role in national politics with the third front in mind, has been meeting chief ministers and prominent leaders of several states.
In April, he hinted at floating a national party on the 20th formation day of the TRS.
Political experts saw his action as a symbol of protest against the Centre's apathy toward Telangana.
Plan
Crucial meeting held to finalize the strategy
On Sunday, KCR met with his cabinet colleagues and all 33 district presidents of his party for a luncheon to finalize the national party's launch strategy, NDTV reported.
The leaders had decided on the party's name and the mahurat (auspicious time) for its launch, it said.
The party was officially launched on Wednesday at 1:19 p.m.
Goal
KCR's national ambitions against BJP, Congress since 2018
KCR has stated repeatedly in many venues that the foundation of a national party and the development of its programs will take place very soon.
He has been pursuing his national goals with the traditional attack line that both the BJP and Congress have failed the nation since 2018.
Currently, he is preparing for a direct political battle with the BJP.
Election
The national party to fight state elections as well
According to reports, the party is expected to run in assembly elections in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi, and the Munugode by-polls, which are scheduled for November 4, would be the party's first election.
KCR is also expected to reveal the agenda of his party after a meeting in Hyderabad in presence of his party legislators, MPs, and municipal and panchayat representatives.
Information
Party likely to keep car as its symbol
The party will keep its electoral symbol of car and pink color along with the map of India. To boost the party's political clout, KCR has instructed party officials to go to several states to discuss Telangana's very successful social programs over the eight years.
Reaction
KCR diverting his failures by launching national party: BJP spokesperson
According to BJP Telangana spokesperson NV Subhash, KCR's entrance into national politics is only a ploy to shift attention away from his government's shortcomings.
"A 12-seater aircraft worth Rs. 100 crore was bought for the new party. This is a famous illustration of how public money has been stolen. This will not be tolerated by the BJP," he said.
Quote
'Nothing new in parties coming and fading away'
"There is nothing new in parties coming and fading away. KCR once said that the apocalypse is about to come and this is it," said Minister of Tourism G Kishan while mocking KCR's national plans.