Insult at Kothagudem Meets Sparks Impending Exit from BRS
Likely to contest from Bhadrachalam as TDP candidate?
The unpredictable political maneuvering of former MLA Thati Venkateswarlu has once again plunged his followers and grassroots cadres into confusion, earning him a reputation for volatile decision-making that is increasingly turning into a liability for his political base. Venkateswarlu, a seasoned political figure in the Agency belt of Telangana, served two terms as an MLA—first representing Burgumpahad as a Telugu Desam Party (TDP) candidate in 1999, and later winning the Aswaraopet seat on a YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) ticket during the 2014 elections. However, his political trajectory in recent years has been defined by rapid party switches and growing dissatisfaction within his ranks.
The latest rift emerged after a preparatory meeting held in Kothagudem for the upcoming Graduates’ MLC elections. Reports indicate that Venkateswarlu felt deeply humiliated after party organizers failed to invite him onto the dais alongside other senior leadership. Interpreting this protocol breach as a deliberate slight and a sign of diminishing stature within the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the former legislator decided to distance himself from the party and signal his intention to resign. He will likely to join in TDP and plan to contest from Bhadrachalam.
This move follows a long series of political shifts. After his 2014 victory, Venkateswarlu aligned with the BRS (then TRS) and was awarded the party ticket for Aswaraopet in the 2018 Assembly elections, where he suffered a defeat at the hands of TDP candidate Mecha Nageswara Rao. In the run-up to the 2024 elections, he defected to the Congress party hoping to secure a nomination from Aswaraopet. When those efforts failed, he returned to the BRS fold. Now, his decision to once again sever ties with BRS has left his loyal supporters exasperated by the constant changes in party allegiance.
Adding another layer of complexity to the region’s dynamics is Venkateswarlu’s ambition to contest from the Bhadrachalam Assembly constituency in the 2028 elections. Bhadrachalam’s political landscape is currently in flux following legal and constitutional developments around anti-defection laws. Dr. Tellam Venkata Rao (and key regional figures like Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender) faced potential disqualification proceedings under Supreme Court oversight regarding party-switching following the Assembly elections.
Amid legal scrutiny over defection rules, sitting Bhadrachalam leaders such as Podem Veeraiah—who moved from BRS to Congress—have reportedly been re-evaluating their positions and discussing return prospects with BRS leadership. Sensing potential realignment or vacancies in Bhadrachalam, Venkateswarlu positioned himself there from TDP. However, his followers have begun voicing their frustration directly, urging him to stop changing parties impulsively and instead commit to a firm political direction to secure his future and maintain credibility among the electorate.
Principal Correspondent, Prime Post
Adapa Dora, journalist cum farmer, proved his excellence in both the fields. While working in Andhra Bhoomi (Telugu Paper) and Deccan Chronicle, he forced a famous seed company to pay compensation to the maize farmers for crop loss due to the supply of spurious seeds to them. He wished to maintain harmony between tribals and non-tribals in the mandals of Bhadradri-Kothagudem district for the prosperous of both groups.
Email: adapa.dora@gmail.com
Mobile: 9441332322
