The sudden change in the BRS’s stance over the arrest of Chandrababu Naidu in neighboring Andhra Pradesh can be attributed to political considerations. Initially, KTR had labeled it as an internal matter of Andhra Pradesh to avoid getting embroiled in a sensitive issue.
However, it appears that feedback from BRS candidates and concerns about the Kamma community’s sentiments in Telangana, especially in 32 constituencies where they constitute a significant voter base, prompted this shift. The BRS leaders have realized that offending the Kammas could impact their electoral prospects in key constituencies such as Khammam, Nizamabad, parts of Rangareddy, and western Hyderabad.
To mitigate this, they are engaging in damage control efforts. Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy organized a supportive meeting for Chandrababu Naidu, and Kamma minister Ajay Puvvada praised the late NTR. KTR and Harish Rao have also joined in, expressing admiration for NTR and empathy for Chandrababu Naidu.
These actions are aimed at mollifying the disgruntled Kamma community and securing their support in the upcoming elections. The BRS is adapting its stance to maintain a favorable political position and avoid alienating crucial voter demographics in Telangana. The success of these efforts remains to be seen as the situation continues to evolve.