Telangana MLA T Raja Singh Resigns from BJP Over State Leadership Appointment

Telangana MLA T Raja Singh Quits BJP, Slams Leadership Over State Chief Pick

Telangana BJP MLA T Raja Singh has resigned from the party, voicing strong dissent over the reported selection of senior leader N Ramchander Rao as the next state unit president. In a resignation letter addressed to Union Minister and current Telangana BJP chief G Kishan Reddy, Singh expressed his frustration with what he described as a top-down, misguided decision that has alienated party workers and grassroots leaders.

Singh, the sitting MLA from Goshamahal and a three-time winner, said he was “shocked and disappointed” after learning from media reports that Rao was set to be appointed as the new state president. The BJP’s central leadership has reportedly cleared Rao’s name, with indications he may be elected unopposed.

Rao, a senior advocate and former MLC, has held several roles within the party—ranging from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) to the BJP’s Hyderabad unit and legal cell.

In his letter, Singh wrote:

“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.”

He accused unnamed individuals of “misleading the central leadership” and taking decisions from “behind the curtain,” undermining the efforts of committed party workers.

Singh clarified that his resignation was not driven by personal ambition.

“I have been a dedicated Karyakarta, elected three times in a row with the blessings of the people. But today, I find it difficult to stay silent or pretend that all is well. This is not about personal ambition—this reflects the pain and frustration of lakhs of loyal BJP Karyakartas who feel sidelined and unheard.”

He argued that the party had a real chance to come to power in Telangana, but poor leadership choices were eroding that momentum. “That hope is slowly being replaced by disappointment and frustration—not because of the people, but because of the leadership being placed at the helm.”

Announcing his resignation from the BJP’s primary membership, Singh requested Kishan Reddy to formally inform the Speaker of the Telangana Legislative Assembly of his exit. He affirmed, however, that he remains committed to the ideology of Hindutva and the service of the Hindu community in Goshamahal.

“While I may be stepping away from the party, I remain fully committed to the ideology of Hindutva and the service of our Dharma. I will continue to raise my voice for the Hindu community with even greater strength.” Calling it a “difficult but necessary” decision, Singh concluded with an appeal to BJP national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and party president JP Nadda, to reconsider the direction being taken in the state.

“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.”

The BJP had appointed Kishan Reddy as state president ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections. Under his leadership, the party performed well in both the state and 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He was reinducted into the Union Cabinet and continues to serve as Minister for Mines. A change in the state unit leadership had been anticipated for some time.