The discontent Goshamahal BJP MLA Raja Singh has once again raised his voice against factionalism within Telangana BJP and expressed suspicion that `caste politics’ likely to harm BJP’s interests in the upcoming Jubilee Hills assembly by-election. It may be recalled BRS Jubilee Hills MLA Magati Gopinath died on Monday due to heart-attack and by-election to be held within six months.
He indirectly targeted Union Minister and state BJP chief G. Kishan Reddy, Raja Singh alleged that the BJP is likely to decide the candidate for the Jubilee Hills by-election based on caste mobilization. With this, a discussion started in the party saying that the Jubilee Hills ticket is for the Reddy community only.
The three-time BJP MLA Raja Singh alleged that in the last election, MIM leaders sold the Muslim vote bank to BRS. However, in the upcoming by-election, it remains to be seen whether the MIM leaders will sell the Muslim vote bank to the BRS party or the Congress party, he said.
As for the BJP, he said that caste politics has happened in the past. And whether caste politics will happen now too? Or will they give a chance to seniors in the party? He said that remains to be seen.
On the other hand, a book launch program of Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya’s autobiography was held last Sunday in Hyderabad. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy attended the program as the chief guest. Many celebrities also attended the same program.
On this occasion, CM Revanth Reddy said that if Union Minister Kishan Reddy cooperates, Telangana state will progress in development. Referring to these comments, Raja Singh said in that order, Union Minister Kishan Reddy was ridiculed. It may be recalled that Raja Singh has been openly questioning Kishan Reddy’s ‘style of functioning’, allegedly maintaining closeness with those in power in the state and giving prominence only to a particular caste within the BJP.
Raja Singh particularly was upset after he was denied Legislature Party leadership last year, though he is the only `senior most’ MLA in the party electing three times continuously. Moreover, it was given to a newcomer to the party. Incidentally, besides state party chief, party leaders in the assembly and legislature council are from the same caste. Since then, he is keeping away from the party activities and making critical comments against the party leadership in the state.