Telangana leader T Raja Singh quits BJP over reports of party's choice for next state boss

In his resignation letter addressed to Union Minister and state BJP chief G Kishan Reddy, the Goshamahal MLA has lodged a strong protest after several reports claimed that the BJP had chosen N Ramchander Rao as the next state boss.

"This decision has come as a shock and disappointment, not just to me, but to lakhs of Karyakartas, leaders, and voters who have stood by the party through every high and low. At a time when BJP stands at the threshold of forming its first government in Telangana, such a choice raises serious doubts about the direction we are heading," Singh wrote.

"There are many capable senior leaders, MLAs, and MPs within our state who have tirelessly worked for the growth of BJP and who have the strength, credibility, and connect to lead the party forward. Unfortunately, it appears that some individuals, driven by personal interests, have misled the central leadership and taken decisions by running the show from behind the curtain. This not only undermines the sacrifices of grassroots workers but risks pushing the party into avoidable setbacks," he added.

A High Court lawyer and a former member of the state Legislative Council, Rao has earlier worked in Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha and the BJP's legal cell.

He has also led the party's Hyderabad unit in the past.

Calling it a "difficult", but "necessary" decision, T Raja Singh wrote, "The silence of many should not be mistaken for agreement. I speak not just for myself, but for countless Karyakartas and voters who stood with us with faith, and who today feel let down.

"I also humbly appeal to our senior leadership - Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, BJP National President Shri JP Nadda ji, Shri Amit Shah ji, and Shri BL Santhosh ji, to reconsider this course. Telangana is ready for the BJP, but we must choose the right leadership to honour that opportunity and not let it slip away. Jai Hind. Jai Shri Ram."

Ahead of the Telangana Assembly polls in 2023, the BJP had appointed Reddy as the state president.

He led the party to a good performance in the state polls and the Lok Sabha election last year.

Reddy was inducted into the cabinet as Union Mines Minister. He has been handling both the state BJP chief, and a new appointment is imminent.