Hyderabad, April 27, 2025: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), formerly known as the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), is celebrating its 25th Foundation Day today with grandeur in Elkathurthi, Warangal district. Founded on April 27, 2001, under the leadership of K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) with the sole aim of achieving statehood for Telangana, the party played a pivotal role in the Telangana movement, culminating in the formation of the state in 2014. However, the transition from TRS to BRS and its foray into national politics have brought unforeseen challenges, making this silver jubilee a moment of reflection and strategizing for the party.
The Birth of TRS: Igniting the Telangana Flame
The TRS was established in 2001 at Jala Drushyam, the residence of Konda Laxman Bapuji in Hyderabad. KCR, who resigned from prominent positions in the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), founded the party with the singular goal of securing a separate Telangana state. In the presence of leaders like Sudarshan Rao, Naini Narsimha Reddy, and V. Prakash, TRS emerged as the voice of Telangana’s aspirations. Through padyatras, public rallies, and mass mobilization, the party galvanized the Telangana movement, achieving its historic goal with the formation of Telangana on June 2, 2014.
A Dominant Force: Two Decades of Triumphs
Post-statehood, TRS transformed into a formidable political entity, securing resounding victories in the 2014 and 2018 Telangana Assembly elections. Under KCR’s leadership, Telangana became a model for development and welfare schemes, with initiatives like Rythu Bandhu, Dalit Bandhu, and Mission Bhagiratha earning national acclaim. The 2018 elections saw TRS clinch 88 seats, cementing its dominance in Telangana politics and establishing KCR as a visionary leader.
Rebranding as BRS: The National Ambition
On October 5, 2022, TRS rebranded itself as Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) during a general body meeting in Hyderabad, signaling its intent to enter national politics. On December 9, 2022, KCR unveiled the BRS flag at Telangana Bhavan, replacing the slogan ‘Jai Telangana’ with ‘Jai Bharat.’ The move aimed to position BRS as a national alternative, addressing broader Indian issues. However, the rebranding faced hurdles. The name BRS struggled to resonate with the masses, who still associated the party with its TRS identity, deeply rooted in Telangana’s ethos. The 2023 Assembly election loss to Congress further underscored the challenges of this transition, with analysts pointing to the national ambition as a potential misstep that diluted the party’s regional connect.
Controversy Over TRS Name
The shift to BRS has sparked a new controversy, with reports of attempts to register new political parties under names that could revive the TRS acronym, such as Telangana Rythu Samithi or Telangana Rakshana Samithi. These moves highlight the enduring emotional and political weight of the TRS name in Telangana, posing a fresh challenge for BRS as it seeks to protect its legacy.
Silver Jubilee Celebrations: Rekindling the Spirit
The BRS is marking its silver jubilee with a massive public meeting in Warangal, drawing lakhs of cadres and supporters. BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) called upon the party faithful, stating, “We may have lost power, but the pink flag continues to flutter in the hearts of Telangana’s people.” The event aims to rekindle the spirit of the Telangana movement and galvanize the party for upcoming electoral battles, including the Lok Sabha and local body elections.
Challenges Ahead and Future Roadmap
While BRS remains a significant force in Telangana politics, the 2023 election defeat and the complexities of its national rebranding have weakened its position. Political analysts suggest that reconnecting with grassroots issues and addressing rural concerns will be crucial for the party to reclaim its past glory. The silver jubilee serves as both a celebration of BRS’s historic achievements and a critical juncture to chart its future course.
As the pink flag flies high in Warangal, the question remains: Can BRS harness its legacy and overcome its challenges to soar once again in Telangana’s political landscape? The answer lies in the days ahead.
