The political careers of K Kavitha, daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), and YS Sharmila, sister of Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, have taken strikingly similar turns as both women chart their own paths amid family tensions.
Kavitha’s Exit from BRS
Kavitha, who had once praised her father as a “God” surrounded by “demons,” was recently suspended from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) for alleged anti-party activities. Her exit from the party came after a series of critical remarks against its leadership, including allegations of corruption within the Kaleshwaram irrigation project, a major initiative during the BRS government. Kavitha accused some of KCR’s close relatives of benefiting from the project, tarnishing his reputation. Although she has not yet revealed her future plans, her comments suggest she may be distancing herself from the BRS.
Comparison with Sharmila
Kavitha’s situation bears resemblance to that of YS Sharmila, who, after a fallout with her brother, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, over property disputes, launched her own party, YSR Telangana Party (YSRTP), in a bid to gain political traction in Telangana. Despite her efforts, her party was short-lived and eventually merged with the Congress, where she became the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president. Like Kavitha, Sharmila’s criticism of her brother during Andhra Pradesh’s general elections hurt the ruling YSRCP, giving an advantage to the opposition TDP-led NDA, though Congress under her leadership failed to win any seats.
Tensions within the KCR Family
While Kavitha has not directly criticized her brother, K T Rama Rao (KTR), she did accuse him of failing to respond when a malicious social media campaign targeted her. Senior political analyst Telakapalli Ravi believes Kavitha’s exit from BRS will be a setback for the party, even if it’s not a game-changer. He pointed out that in many regional parties, the roles of women are dictated by party dynamics, and Kavitha’s case parallels the struggles faced by women in such parties.
Kavitha’s Silence on BJP
Kavitha, who had initially opposed the BJP over her arrest in the Delhi Excise Policy case, has since refrained from commenting on the party. Despite the personal and political turmoil, her path remains unclear.
Congress’ Position on Kavitha
Sources within Telangana Congress indicated that even if Kavitha approached the party, her entry would be unlikely, as Congress aims to distance itself from KCR’s family and the BRS.
Sharmila’s Ongoing Dispute
Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh, the family feud continues with YS Jagan Mohan Reddy recently challenging the transfer of shares in Saraswati Power and Industries to Sharmila and their mother, Vijayamma. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) annulled the transfer, with Jagan alleging that the shares were transferred illegally by Sharmila.
The rift between these two powerful sisters continues to captivate the political landscape, highlighting the complex dynamics of family, power, and politics in regional parties.
