Former Achampet MLA Guvvala Balaraju joins BJP, slams BRS

Bharatiya Janata Party State unit president N. Ramchander Rao remarked that his party was rising by the day in Telangana, citing the party’s electoral performance.

Welcoming former Achampet MLA Guvvala Balaraju into the party’s fold at an event at the party’s State headquarters here on Sunday, Mr. Rao said that Balaraju’s decision reflects the BJP’s emergence as the only credible alternative in Telangana. “Balaraju’s experience and services would be instrumental in strengthening the party further in the State,” he said.

“Our vote share rose from 13.09% in the 2023 Assembly elections to over 36% in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, with the party winning eight Lok Sabha seats while the BRS failed to secure even one,” he recalled, highlighting the BJP’s recent win in the MLC elections. Taking a swipe at Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for “frequent trips to Delhi”, he said, “He should stay put in Hyderabad, at least during the rains, to understand how people are suffering due to waterlogging since he holds the Municipal Administration & Urban Development portfolio too,” Rao said.

Speaking on the occasion, a two-time MLA from Achampet (SC), Balaraju said he had chosen the BJP as it has been working for the defence of the nation and also striving hard for the welfare of the poor.

Balaraju, who left the BRS on August 2, also slammed those calling him an “opportunist”, stating that he had indeed joined the BRS on his own to serve the people after being a successful entrepreneur as he thought “political power is the master key” for many social and development issues. “Nobody had given me a chance; it was my choice,” he claimed.

The Dalit leader also accused the BRS of using him as a pawn to counter the Opposition for issues pertaining to the Scheduled Castes (SC). BJP MP K. Laxman, MLC Anji Reddy and other senior leaders were also present at the induction ceremony.