End Of An Era: KCR Family Steps Back From Election Fray After Two Decades

For over two decades, the name K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) and his family have been synonymous with Telangana politics. However, in a significant shift, no member of the former Chief Minister’s family is contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state.

Since the inception of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in 2001, the KCR family has played a pivotal role in state and national politics. Yet, for the first time, they’ve chosen to abstain from the electoral battle, marking a historic departure from their usual participation.

KCR, a staunch advocate for Telangana statehood, established TRS after resigning from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in pursuit of this cause. Since 2004, either he or a family member has contested and won every Parliament and Assembly election, symbolizing their dominance in Telangana’s political landscape.

Over the years, KCR and his kin have held key positions, with KCR himself serving as Chief Minister since the formation of Telangana in 2014. His nephew, Harish Rao, has been a prominent figure, representing Siddipet constituency.

Their electoral journey has been marked by triumphs and setbacks. KCR’s strategic moves, including resignations to force by-elections and focusing on national politics by renaming TRS to BRS, have been notable.

However, the recent defeat in the 2022 state elections, coupled with Kavitha’s loss in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and subsequent arrest, signaled a turning tide. Despite speculations about Kavitha’s return to the electoral arena, KCR opted otherwise, shifting focus to state politics.

While KCR’s absence from the Lok Sabha fray may surprise many, it underscores a shift in TRS’s political strategy and the family’s reevaluation of priorities. As Telangana braces for a new political landscape, the KCR legacy remains a cornerstone in the state’s political narrative.